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 glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.

A quick fix for a window that is broken is to place an aluminum cover over the crack. This will prevent insects, snow and rain from entering the home.

Glass that has cracked

Cracked glass can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or a baseball, or stress, like an abrupt temperature change, it is crucial to get them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working properly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not damaged. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from dust, water, bugs and other debris. It also keeps out the weather.

If the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to consult a professional. An experienced glazier will be able to determine the root of the problem and recommend an appropriate repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are typically accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact your window's energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress crack, which can develop gradually as time passes, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks.

A more serious, but feasible crack is the pressure crack. It 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.

There are other products that can be used to repair Window cracks in window glass if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window sash repairs look like it did not have cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness under your window, or notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it could be time for a windows repair. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew which can create a range of issues for your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.

If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame it's best to contact a professional to assist repair the issue right away. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are a leading cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first, though, and repair window remove any old caulking before applying new caulking.

You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes.

If windows are double-paned You'll also have to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and allow water to leak into the house.

Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indicator of the presence of a leak. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are known in the UK), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.

Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting elements.

First, clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying close focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Allow the paint to completely dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the problem is more serious like an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find a replacement window that matches the design and size of the existing one.

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

Installing a drip-cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps in aluminum for about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functions as a genuine mullion, or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you must contact a professional. A broken sash, if left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, it is recommended to replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need remove the tabs made of metal that hold the sash in place. Press upwards on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to take it off. To get access to the cords for the sash, you'll have to carefully remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

After you've removed your sash, make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to the ones on your new sash. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to place the new sash into its proper place and could impact how the sash performs. Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.

You'll need to check your window frame as well to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's a good idea to check it regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you spot any visible damage it should be fixed as quickly as possible to prevent an even bigger issue from arising.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made using half mineral spirits and half boiled linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can then restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will protect your window from the elements, too.