When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when fixing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is an easy fix for a cracked window. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home.

Glass that has cracked

Cracked glass can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, such as soccer or baseball or a stress like the sudden temperature change, it is crucial to get them fixed as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning properly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's an easy and affordable solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters and keep out the elements.

However, if the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's best to seek out a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They usually occur when a solid object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your window's energy use.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack however it can be repaired. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of the window. It can be the result of high or low air pressure, which can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

If you're looking to take further than tape and nail polish, there are other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at all.

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or decaying, it might be time to start a windows repair. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture, which can lead to various issues within your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame it's best to contact a professional to help you repair the issue immediately. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.

In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first however, and then take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.

Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris as time passes.

If windows are double-paned, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal could wear down over time,, and allow water to enter the home.

The water stains on the ceiling and broken walls are another indicator of leaks. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated by water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in classic multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. They're used only as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports could be damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying elements.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that will not leave residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower part of the upvc window repairs frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.

If you're dealing with a more severe problem like a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window it's likely to be recommended to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.

Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows are constructed of a complete glass pane with a series muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for a simple method to upgrade your windows, think about installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps made of aluminum for around $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functions as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window repairs near me sash should be a signal that you should seek help. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause wood rot, water leaks and broken more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash, and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to carefully remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

After you've removed the sash, make sure you examine its metal tabs against those of the new sash. If they're not the same it's difficult to place the new one in its slot and affect how the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily rectified by placing tabs in their proper places on your new window.

You'll need to inspect your window frame as well to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as soon as possible to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created with half mineral spirits and half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can then re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements, too.