When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to be careful when working. First, you should put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work.

A quick solution to a damaged window is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will stop insects, snow and rain from getting into the home.

Glass that has cracked

Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to enter. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, for example a sudden change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are working effectively.

If your window is cracked but not broken, a simple solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your Window Doctor from water, dust, bugs and other sand. It also shields your windows from the elements.

If the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to seek out an expert. A professional glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

An impact crack is the most common type of window break typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to break it. The cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and eventually expand into full-blown break.

A more serious, but feasible crack is a pressure crack. This is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by high or low pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

If you're ready to take a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are several other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window replacement look like it never had cracks in the first place!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window or that the wood around it appears weak or rotting, it might be time to replace your windows. In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew which can create a range of issues for your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen symptoms of allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the house.

It is recommended to contact an expert if water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of structural damage and mold So don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, a simple caulking layer is enough to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll need clean the area and remove any existing caulking.

Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris over time.

Examine the seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This helps to keep the gas from escaping between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, and allow water to enter the home.

Another sign of leaks is the appearance of water stains on ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint, which is a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are known in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mostly used as decorative elements in some older homes.

Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying parts.

Clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave a residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.

If the issue is more severe like an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these cases you'll need to search for a replacement that matches the existing window in both style and size.

Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows are made of a complete glass pane, with a set of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows.

If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, you should consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're much simpler to install than an alternative window sash, and window doctor they'll provide you with the same functionality as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a signal that you must call for help. A damaged sash, ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the upvc window repairs is properly sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly hung the sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. Push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to take it off. To reach the cords for the sash, you'll have to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash.

It is crucial to examine the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they are different it will be difficult to put the new sash into its proper slot and will affect the way that the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.

You'll have to examine your window frame as well to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you notice any visible damage it should be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames have deteriorated and are in need of repair, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, as well.