When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when fixing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.

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

Glass that has cracked

Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to enter. If the cracks were caused by an collision (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, for example an abrupt change in temperature it is crucial to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows operating correctly.

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

If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is large, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional. An experienced glazier will be able to determine the cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent kind of window break, typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually display a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. The crack could compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane windows and lower its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops because of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack but it is still able to be repaired. It is typically a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window. It can be the result of low or high air pressure, which can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're looking to take further than nail polish and tape there are several other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather make it yourself 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 in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture and can cause numerous issues in your home. They can reduce the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.

It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or coming from the outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.

In many instances, repaired caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and get rid of any caulking that is in place.

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

Check the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help maintain a barrier between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and allow water to get into the home.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in the classic multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle parts.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that will not leave residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After you've cut the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat.

If the issue is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In such cases, you'll need to look for a replacement that matches the existing window in both the design and size.

Installing a grid upvc window repairs near me is a less expensive option. These windows are constructed of a glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. Home centers typically sell these aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to seek assistance. If not taken care of, a damaged sash could cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a broken sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.

Often, the problem is caused by worn or poorly installed sash cords. It's easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash, and then pull in toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. It is important to remove the strip that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the location where the sash cords are.

Once you've removed the sash, it's important to be sure to examine its metal tabs against the tabs on the new sash. If they are different it will be difficult to insert the new sash into its proper place and could affect how well the sash performs. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in the correct places on the new window.

You'll need to inspect your window frame, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. If you notice any obvious damage, it should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can restore your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window against the elements.