When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is important to be cautious when you are repairing windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.

An easy fix for a broken window is to place an aluminum cover over the crack. This will stop rain, snow and insects from getting into the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked not only make your home less attractive but also allow drafts and other elements into the home. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, such as soccer or baseball or stress, such as a sudden temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.

If your window is cracked, but not broken, a simple solution is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and also keep out the elements.

If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is extensive, it is best to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

Impact cracks are the most popular kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your windows.

Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious but possible crack is the pressure crack. It's usually a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of low or high air pressure, which can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will 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 spot under your window or that the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and even increase the severity of allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your house.

It's best to call an expert if the water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of structural damage and [Redirect-302] mold and should not be left untreated.

In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have to clean the area and remove any caulking you have already applied.

Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time.

Check the seal between the double-paned window and the frame. This creates a gas barrier between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal will be worn out and allow water into your home.

Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated with moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing it 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. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII They went out of fashion. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Wind or rain can damage one support or a small portion of them, resulting in a crack in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying elements.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that does not leave traces. Then, take off any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window repair muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.

If you have an even more serious issue like cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, it's likely to be best to replace the sash. In these cases it is essential to locate 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 consist of a glass pane that has a series of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. These windows are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

Installing a drip cap can stop water from getting into the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They're a lot easier to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functions as a real muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to seek some help. If left unchecked, a broken sash can cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with 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 functioning.

Often, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this, you need to 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 parting strip that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords are located.

Once you've removed the sash, you must take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're not the same, it may be difficult to put the new sash in its proper slot and will affect the way that the sash performs. This can be easily fixed by putting the tabs in the correct positions on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect your window frame for any damage or rot. It's a good idea check it regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, especially 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 deteriorating, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. 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 against the elements.