When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to be careful when working. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.

A quick fix for a window that is broken is to place a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent snow, rain and insects from getting into your home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked window glass not only makes your home appear less appealing however, it could let drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact, like a baseball or soccer or a stress like an abrupt temperature change, but it is essential to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning effectively.

If your window is damaged but not broken, a quick fix is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a cheap and simple solution that will provide some protection from dust, water, bugs and other debris and also keep out the elements.

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

An impact crack is the most popular type of window break, typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are typically accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be dangerous if they fall loose. This crack can compromise the gas in the panes of the double glazing repairs-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually as time passes because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and can eventually expand into full-blown break.

A pressure crack is a more serious crack however it can be repaired. It's usually a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window and can be the result of low or high air pressure, which could cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you prefer to do it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mildew and mold, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked they could cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

It is recommended to contact an expert if the water is visible or comes from outside. Don't put off leaking windows. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.

In many instances, caulking can be used to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first, but you must also get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer.

It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes.

Examine the seal between the double-paned window and the frame. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and let water leak into the house.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These occur when wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and causes discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint, which is a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and tearing away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to one support or a small group, leaving an opening in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying components.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you have a more severe problem such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in middle of the window, then it's probably better to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with the style and size of the current one.

Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows come with a complete pane of glass, with a series of muntins that are glued to the surface creating a divided look. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, think about installing a new drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They're much simpler to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same functions as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a sign that you must call for help. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window repairs models. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. Push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to pull it out. You'll want to carefully remove the strip that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the area where the sash cords are located.

After you've removed your sash, it's important to make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're not the same, it will be hard to put the new one in its place and could affect the way it functions. Luckily, this is easily corrected by simply placing the tabs in their correct positions on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect your window frame for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and wear down over time. If you find any visible damage it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent the development of a larger issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.