When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's essential to be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window. This will prevent rain, snow and insects out of your home.

Cracked Glass

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

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it is not broken. This is a quick, low-cost solution to protect your window from dust, water, bugs and other sand. It also helps keep out the weather.

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

Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They typically occur when a hard object strikes your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks usually have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous in the event that they become loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double glazing repairs Rochester-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window and can progress to complete breaks.

A pressure crack is a more serious crack however it can be repaired. It is a curvy, Pvc straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by low or high pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear like it never had any cracks at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window or the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can worsen allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of structural and mold damage, so don't leave them untreated.

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

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

Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned windows and the frame. This helps to keep a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal will be worn out and allow water into your home.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

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

Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. The good news is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle parts.

First, clean the affected areas with a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat.

If you have an issue that is more serious such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in center of the window, then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the existing window in both the design and size.

Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows are made of a full glass pane with a series muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.

If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap in order to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion, or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a signal that you need to call for help. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is sealed.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. Push up on the side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to take it off. It is important to remove the strip of separation that is what separates the sash from other so you can access the location where the sash cords reside.

It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're not the same it's difficult to insert the new one into its slot and impact how the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect the frame of your window repairs Woking for pvc damage or decay. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. If you notice any obvious damage, it should be fixed as quickly as possible to prevent an even bigger issue from arising.

If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements as well.