When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, you must be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.
An easy solution to a damaged window is to place a plastic covering over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked not only make your home appear less appealing however, it could also allow drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature change, it is essential to have them repaired as soon as you can to prevent further damage and to ensure that your windows are functioning effectively.
If your window is cracked but not broken, a quick solution is to use clear tape to cover it. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from dust, water bugs, and other debris. It also keeps out the elements.
If the crack is severe or is getting worse, you should consult an expert. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair method.
Impact cracks are the most common kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when 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 kind of crack is a stress crack which develops gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A more serious but still feasible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is typically a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window. It can be the result of high or low air pressure, which can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it never had cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you notice an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it could be time to consider a window repair project. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and even worsen allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the home.
It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or comes from the outside. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of structural damage and mold and should not be left untreated.
In many instances, a single caulking layer is enough to stop the leaks. Before applying the caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.
Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. window repair near me are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris over time.
If windows are double-paned You'll also have to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This helps to keep a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. As time passes, the seal can get worn out and let water into your home.
Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of tempered glass were available. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can be damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting parts.
Clean the affected areas with a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.
If you're dealing with a more severe problem, such as cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, it's likely to be best to replace the sash. In these situations it's crucial to find the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the existing one.
If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are made of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.
If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at the majority of home centers for around $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to get some help. If not taken care of the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, it is recommended to replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It's 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. Then, push up on the side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to take it off. You'll want to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash from the other to allow access to the location where the sash cords reside.
After you've removed your sash, it's important to be sure to examine its metal tabs against the ones on the new sash. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to place the new sash into its proper slot and will impact how the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing tabs in the correct locations on your new window.
You'll have to examine your window frame, too for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a bigger issue.
If your window frames have deteriorated they can be treated using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.