When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, it's essential to work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.
Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a quick fix for a damaged window. This will keep rain, snow and insects from getting into your home.
Glass that has cracked
Glass that has cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, like a baseball or soccer or stress, such as an abrupt temperature change, it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning effectively.
Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from water, dust bugs and other particles and keep out the weather.
If the crack is large or is getting worse, it's best to seek out an expert. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most popular kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks typically have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress crack which develops gradually over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. The cracks start around the edges of your window and can progress to full-blown breaks.
A pressure crack is a more serious crack but it is still able to be repaired. It's usually a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window. It could be the result of high or low air pressure, which could cause expansion or contraction of the glass.
If you're willing to go a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to make it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair . The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can create a range of problems for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can even worsen allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your house.
It is recommended to contact an expert if water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of mold and structural damage and should not be left untreated.
In many instances, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have clean the area and take off any existing caulking.
You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater, but they could become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris.
If windows are double-paned it is also necessary to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This helps to keep a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away over time,, and allow water to get into the home.
The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of the presence of a leak. The drywall turns discolored when it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are referred to in the UK) separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses tempered glass were available. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Most of the time it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components.
First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that doesn't leave any residue. 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, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.
If you're dealing with an even more serious issue like a crack that forms an hourglass shape in middle of the window then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of style and size.
Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows feature a complete pane of glass, with the muntins being that are glued to the surface, giving them a divided look. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.
If you're looking for a simple method to upgrade your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same functions as a genuine mullion, or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a signal that you should contact a professional. A damaged sash, left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, it is recommended to replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. Press upwards on the side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to take it off. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.
After you've removed the sash, it's important to make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of the new sash. If they're different, it will be hard to put the new one into its slot and impact how the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs at the correct positions on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also have to examine your window frame for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a bigger issue.
If your window frames have begun to deteriorate, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will protect your window from the elements too.