When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to work carefully. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.

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

Glass that has cracked

Cracked glass can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, like soccer or a baseball or stress, such as a sudden temperature change, it is crucial to get them fixed as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and keep your windows working effectively.

If your window is cracked but not broken, a simple solution is to apply clear tape to it. It's a cheap and simple solution that can provide protection from dust, water, bugs and other debris, as well as keeping out the weather.

However, if the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's best to consult a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

An impact crack is the most popular type of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they come loose. This crack can compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a more serious crack however it can be repaired. This is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by high or low pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill in cracks to help stop further damage and pvc make your window appear like it never had cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window repairs or the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be time to replace your windows. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and even worsen allergies. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the house.

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 immediately. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.

In many instances, a single caulking layer is all you need to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll have to clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.

Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

Examine the seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help maintain a seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. As time passes, the seal can wear out and allow water into your home.

Water stains on walls and ceiling are another sign of a leak. The drywall becomes discolored when it is soaked with water. There is also the possibility of peeling paint, which is a result of water weakening its adhesive properties 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 panes of glass in the classic multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.

Most of the time, a single or small 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 rotting or brittle elements.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that will not leave residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat.

If you're experiencing a more severe problem, such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in the middle of the window then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these cases it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the existing one.

Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows are constructed of a complete glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.

Installing a drip cap can stop water from getting into the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps made of aluminum for pvc about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same functionality as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a signal that you need to call for help. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a broken sash you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly hung the sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need dislodge the metal tabs that secure the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash and pvc then pull in toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

After you've removed your sash, take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to the tabs on the new sash. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to put the new sash in its proper place and could affect how well the sash performs. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in their proper places on the new window.

You'll need to inspect your window frame, too for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. You should repair any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames have deteriorated they can be treated with a homemade preserver created of half mineral spirits and boiled linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can then finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.