When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work with care. The first step is to wear a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to prevent shards of glass from cutting you during your work.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked window glass not only makes your home less attractive but also let drafts and other elements into the home. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball, or stress, like an abrupt temperature change, but it is crucial to get them repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows working effectively.

If your window is cracked, but not broken, a quick solution is to use clear tape to cover it. It's an easy and affordable solution that can provide protection from dust, water bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the elements.

If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is extensive, it is best to consult with a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They typically occur when a hard object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually display an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect your window's energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window and can progress to full-blown cracks.

A more serious but feasible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by low or high pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

If you're ready to take a step beyond nail polish and tape there are several other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. 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 epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window appear like it never had cracks in the first place!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it appears weak or rotting, it might be the time to fix your windows. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for lock Repair mold and mildew which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can reduce the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's a good idea to seek out an expert to assist you repair the issue right away. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are a leading cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have to clean the area and remove any existing caulking.

You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. The seal may wear away over time, however, and allow water to enter the home.

Water stains on walls and ceiling are another indication of leaks. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture which weakens the fibers and causes discoloration. There may also be peeling paint as a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are known in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. Today, they're only used as a decorative feature in a few older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to the support of a single piece or small portion of them, resulting in an opening in the window. The good part is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.

Clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. 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 seal off the lower section of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying particular focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint completely dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more severe like an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these instances it's crucial to find a replacement window that matches the design and size of the current one.

Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows have a full pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are glued to the surface, giving them a divided look. These windows are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.

If you're looking for a simple method to upgrade your windows, think about installing a new drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps in aluminum for about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same function as a real mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time for assistance. A damaged sash, not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've broken a sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and working.

Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly installed sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is relatively simple and services can be accomplished in most double glazing repairs near me-hung windows. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove the strip that separates the sash.

It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're not the same, it will be hard to put the new one into its slot and affect how the sash functions. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in the correct locations on your new window.

You'll need to check your window frame, too, for any damage or decay. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a bigger issue.

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