When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when repairing your windows. First, you should wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from cutting you during your work.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. This will prevent rain, snow and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Broken windows not only make your home look less appealing but also let drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, such as soccer or a baseball or a stress like the sudden temperature change, but it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.
If your window is cracked but not broken, a quick solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from water, dust, bugs and other sand. It also shields your windows from the elements.
However, if the crack is extensive or is getting worse, it's best to seek out a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.
An impact crack is the most common kind of window break, typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to break it. The cracks typically have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when 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 a different kind of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edge of your window, and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A pressure crack is a more severe crack however it can be fixed. It is typically a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be the result of low or high air pressure, which could cause expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass If you're willing to go further than tape and nail varnish. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY route epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window appear like it has never had cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it could be time for a windows repair. The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to contact a professional to assist repair the issue immediately. Don't put off leaking windows. They're a major cause of structural damage and mold.
In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have to clean the area and take off any caulking you have already applied.
Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris as time passes.
If windows are double-paned You'll also have to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This helps to keep a gas barrier between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal may be worn out and allow water into your home.
The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indication of the presence of a leak. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. There may also be peeling paint, which is a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and tearing away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK) separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses tempered glass were available. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports can be damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle elements.
First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that doesn't leave any residue. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular attention to areas which were lightly coated on the first go. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If you're experiencing an issue that is more serious, such as cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these instances, it's important to find a replacement window that matches the design and size of the current one.
Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows feature a complete pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are attached to the surface creating a divided appearance. These windows aren't 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 to stop water from getting into the window frame. The majority of home centers sell aluminum drip cap options for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same function as a genuine mullion, or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time to get some help. If not taken window repair near me of, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.
The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. Fortunately, replacing them is quite simple and is possible in all double-hung windows. You'll first need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. Press upwards on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it. You'll want to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords are located.
After you've removed your sash, you must take the time to compare its metal tabs to the tabs on your new sash. If they're not the same, it may be difficult to put the new sash in its proper place and could affect the way that the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their proper positions on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your windows for damage or rot. It's recommended to check it regularly since wood shrinks and wears down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a more serious issue.
If your window frames are deteriorating and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.