When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when fixing your windows. The first step is to wear a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to prevent shards of glass from cutting you as you work.
Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window. This will prevent insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that has cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or baseball or stress, such as a sudden temperature drop, but it is essential to have them repaired as soon as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows working properly.
Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it's not damaged. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from water, dust bugs and other sand. It also helps keep out the elements.
If the crack is becoming larger or is getting more extensive, it is best to consult with an expert. A glazier who is experienced can identify the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.
window repair are the most common kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are typically with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas that is between the panes of the double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually expand into full-blown break.
A more serious, but possible crack is the pressure crack. It is a curvy curved line that can extend 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.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY method, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window appear like it has never had cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it may be time for a windows repair project. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to various issues within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and even worsen allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.
It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or coming from the outside. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural damage and mold So don't leave them untreated.
In many cases, a thin caulking layer is enough to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first, however, and then take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.
Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. The seal may wear away over time,, and allow water to leak into the house.
The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indication of a leak. These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint, which is a result of water weakening 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 were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.
Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting parts.
First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that does not leave traces. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Now, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying particular attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If the issue is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these situations it's crucial to find the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the existing one.
Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows have a full pane of glass, with the muntins being attached to the surface creating a divided look. They 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 purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same functionality as a real mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time for some help. A broken sash, if left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems 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.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed sash cords. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in the majority of double-hung windows. First, you'll need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash and then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to carefully remove the parting strips that separate the sash.
Once you've removed the sash, you must be sure to look at its metal tabs and compare them to the ones on your new sash. If they're not the same it can be difficult to insert the new one in its slot and could affect the way it operates. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at their correct places on the new window.
You'll need to check the frame of your window, too, for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. If you notice any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid the development of a larger issue.
If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative made with half mineral spirits and half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements too.