When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when fixing your windows. The first step is to wear a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work.

A quick fix for a broken window is to apply an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects from entering the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked not only makes your home look less appealing, but it can let drafts and other elements into the house. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are a result of stress, such as an abrupt temperature change, it's important to get them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are operating properly.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it's not damaged. It's a cheap and simple solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters and keep out the weather.

If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become deep, it is advised to seek advice from an expert. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

A crack caused by an impact is the most common type of window break typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to break it. The cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of the double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks.

A more serious but feasible crack is the pressure crack. It is typically a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of low or high air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

If you're ready to take a step beyond nail polish and tape there are several alternatives to fix cracks in your window repair glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It will make your window appear like it never had any cracks in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window or the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and even worsen allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of structural and mold damage, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is all that's needed to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first, though, and take off any caulking that is old before applying the new layer.

Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater but can become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

If you have double glazed window repairs-paned windows it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This helps to keep a gas barrier between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. As time passes, the seal can wear out and allow water into your home.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated by water. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're mainly utilized as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window repair. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle parts.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaners that will not leave residue. Then, remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.

If you're dealing with a more severe problem like cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of style and size.

Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with the muntins being attached to the surface which gives them a split appearance. These windows aren't as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these aluminum drip cap options for around $20. They're much simpler to install than an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same function as a genuine muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time to seek assistance. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords on most double glazed window repairs near Me-hung window models. To begin, you'll need remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash, and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. It is important to remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other to allow access to the area where the sash cords are located.

It is crucial to examine the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're different, it can be difficult to place the new sash in its correct slot and could impact how the sash functions. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct positions on your new window.

You'll need to check your window frame, too, for any damage or decay. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as soon as you can, to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated using a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you are able to re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.