When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, you must work with care. First, you should put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to stop glass shards from cutting you during your work.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy fix for a cracked window. This will keep rain, snow and insects from getting into your home.

Cracked glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to enter. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are a result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change, it's important to get them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are operating properly.

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

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

A crack caused by an impact is the most popular type of window break typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to break it. The cracks typically have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. The crack could compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, window repairs but it can still be repaired. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be the result of high or low air pressure, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're willing to go a step beyond nail polish and tape there are alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will offer a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd rather DIY, Window Repairs epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks in it at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window repair near me, or the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be time to replace your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions and can cause numerous issues in your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.

If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame it's best to contact an expert to assist you with the repairs right away. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.

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

Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris as time passes.

Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and allow water to get into the home.

Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. You might also find 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) were a way to separate and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting elements.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that does not leave traces. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Now, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying particular focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Let the paint completely dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If you're dealing with an even more serious issue like cracks that form an hourglass shape in the center of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both the design and size.

Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows are made of a glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.

If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, consider installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from getting into the window repairs (my website) frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps made of aluminum for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same function as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a sign that you must contact a professional. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to 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 get access to the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.

After you've removed your sash, it's important to make sure you examine its metal tabs against those of the new sash. If they're different it can be difficult to put the new one in its place and could affect the way it functions. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing tabs in the correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your window for damage or decay. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a more serious issue.

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