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 shards.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a quick solution for a window that has cracked. This will keep snow, rain, and insects from entering your home.

Cracked glass

Cracked window glass not only makes your home look less appealing, but it can also let drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, like soccer or a baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature drop, home but it is essential to have them repaired as soon as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning correctly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it is not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters, as well as keeping out the elements.

However, if the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to consult a professional. A skilled glazier can determine the root of the problem and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.

A crack caused by an impact is the most popular type of window break typically resulting from a hard 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 risky if they break loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your windows.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and eventually expand into full-blown break.

A more serious but still doable crack is the pressure crack. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be the result of low or high air pressure, which can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY method, home epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it never had cracks in the first place!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can create a range of problems for your home. They can reduce the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the home.

If the water is coming in from the outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to contact a professional to assist to fix the problem right away. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll need to clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.

It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they could become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and let water get into the home.

Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated by water. There is also the possibility of peeling paint caused by the effects of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling it away 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 tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle parts.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that does not leave traces. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.

If you're dealing with a more severe problem like cracks that create an hourglass shape in the middle of the window, it's likely to be better to replace the sash. In these cases it's crucial to find the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the current one.

To save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can find a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They're much easier to install than an alternative window sash and come with the same functionality as a genuine muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a signal that you need to contact a professional. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've broken a sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.

The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and can be done in the majority of double glazing repair Hackney-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off the metal tabs holding the sash. Press upwards on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to pull it out. It is important to remove the strip that divides the sash from the other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords reside.

It is crucial to check the metal tabs on the old sash with the new one. If they are different it will be difficult to insert the new sash in its proper slot and will affect the way that the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing tabs in the correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check your window frame for any damage or rot. It's recommended to do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as fast as you can, to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made with half mineral spirits and half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you can restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.