When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, you must work with care. First, wear a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent shards of glass from cutting you as you work.
A quick fix for a window that is broken is to put a plastic covering over the crack. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from entering the home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked window glass not only make your home appear less appealing but let drafts and other elements into the home. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, like a sudden change in temperature, 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, an easy fix is to apply clear tape to it. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements.
If the crack is large or is getting worse, you should consult a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most frequent kind of window break, typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they fall loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane windows and lower its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edge of your window and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks.
A pressure crack is a more severe crack but it is still able to be repaired. This is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by high or low 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 nail varnish and tape. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to do it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it could be time for a windows repair project. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can create a range of problems for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can worsen allergies. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame, it's a good idea to contact a professional to help you to fix the problem right away. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of mold and structural damage So don't leave them untreated.
In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll need clean the area and get rid of any caulking that is in place.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time.
If windows have double panes, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This will ensure a barrier between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal may be worn out and allow water into your home.
Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated by water. There may also be peeling paint, which is a result 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), separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. Today, they're mainly utilized as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying components.
Clean the affected areas with a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more severe like an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these cases you'll need to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.
Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows come with a complete pane of glass with muntins that are attached to the surface creating a divided look. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows.
If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same function as a genuine mullion, or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash should be a sign that you must call for help. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've broken a sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.
Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung cords for sash. Fortunately, replacing them is fairly easy and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. You'll first need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. It is important to remove the strip of separation that divides the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords reside.
It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to place the new sash in its correct slot and could affect how well the sash performs. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in their proper locations on your new window.
You'll need to check your window frame, too for any damage or decay. window repair near me 's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you notice any visible damage, it must be addressed as soon as you can, to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.
If your window frames are in bad condition you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made using half mineral spirits and half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.