When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is important to be cautious when you are repairing windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a quick fix for a damaged window. This will stop snow, rain and insects from getting into your home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and let drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer, or stress, like the sudden temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning effectively.
If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to it. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to shield your window from dust, water bugs and other debris. It also helps keep out the elements.
If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become extensive, it is best to seek advice from a professional. An experienced glazier can determine the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a hard object hits your window with enough force that it cracks. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous when they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane windows and decrease its energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly as time passes due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. window repair near me begin around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A more serious but possible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is typically a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of high or low air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.
If you're willing to go a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are a few alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it never had cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can even increase the severity of allergies. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to get a professional to assist repair the issue right away. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They're a major cause of structural damage and mold.
In many instances the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, it's necessary clean the area and get rid of any caulking that is in place.
You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time.
If windows have double panes it is also necessary to examine the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This creates the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal may wear out and allow water into your home.
Another sign of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another indicator 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 referred to in the UK), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.
Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports could get damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle and decaying parts.
First, clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Let the paint completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the issue is more serious like an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the current one.
Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows consist of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. These windows are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.
If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to 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're much easier to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same function as an authentic mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a signal that you must contact a professional. A damaged sash, not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a broken window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.
The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that hold the sash in place. Press upwards on the other side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to remove it. It is important to remove the strip that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords are.
Once you've removed the sash, you must be sure to compare its metal tabs to those of your new sash. If they're different, it may be difficult to insert the new sash in its correct slot and could impact how the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily rectified by placing tabs in their proper positions on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your window for problems or rot. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made using half mineral spirits and half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window against the elements.