When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is important to be cautious when fixing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple solution for a window that has cracked. This will keep insects, snow and rain from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Broken windows not only makes your home appear less appealing but also let drafts and other elements into the house. If the cracks were caused Near By an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt change in temperature it is crucial to have them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are functioning effectively.

If your window is cracked but not broken, a quick solution is to use clear tape to cover it. It's an easy and affordable solution that provides protection from water, dust bugs and other particles and keep out the weather.

If the crack is getting larger or is getting more extensive, Near by it is best to seek advice from an expert. An experienced glazier can identify the root of the problem and recommend a suitable repair method.

A crack caused by an impact is the most popular type of window break typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be risky if they break loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your windows.

Another type of crack is a stress crack, which develops gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually expand into full-blown break.

A more serious but still doable crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by low or high pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

If you're ready to take a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are other products available for repairing cracks in your window doctor glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY route, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window, or the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to numerous issues in your home. They can reduce the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen symptoms of allergies. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the house.

It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or comes from outside. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are the most frequent cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area, though, and take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. They are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris as time passes.

Check the seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down with time and let water leak into the house.

Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint as a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are known in the UK), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. They're mostly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting components.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that will not leave residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've cut the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a thick coat of white paint, paying special focus on the areas which were lightly coated on the first go. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.

If you're dealing with an even more serious issue like a crack that forms an hourglass shape in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with the style and size of the existing one.

Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows come with a complete pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are that are glued to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. They are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.

Installing a drip cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at the majority of home centers for around $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same functions as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for some help. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, you should replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly installed cords for sash. It is easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. Push up on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to remove it. It is important to remove the parting strip that separates the sash from the other to allow access to the area where the sash cords reside.

After you've removed your sash, you must make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to the tabs on the new sash. If they're different it can be difficult to insert the new one into its slot and impact how the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in their proper locations on your new window.

You'll have to examine the frame of your window, too to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. If you find any visible damage, it must be addressed as soon as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made using half mineral spirits and half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you can finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements too.