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 shattering.
A quick fix for a window that is broken 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 make your home less attractive however, it could let drafts and other elements into the home. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning correctly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window, even if it's not broken. It's a cheap and simple solution that can provide protection from dust, water, bugs and other debris and also keep out the weather.
If the crack appears to be getting larger or is getting more extensive, it is best to seek advice from a professional. An experienced glazier will be able to determine the root of the problem and suggest a suitable repair procedure.
A crack caused by an impact is the most frequent kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it. The cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be dangerous if they come loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect your window's energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown breaks.
A pressure crack is a more severe 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 and could be the result of low or high air pressure, which could cause expansion or contraction of the glass.
If you're looking to take further than nail polish and tape, there are several other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd prefer to DIY 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 in it at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or decaying, it might be time to consider a window repair project. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to various issues within your home. They can affect the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the house.
If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's a good idea to seek out a professional to help you with the repairs immediately. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of mold and structural damage So don't leave them untreated.
In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop the leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll need clean the area and remove any existing caulking.
Check the weepholes of the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they could become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
If windows are double-paned it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This helps to keep the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down with time and allow water to enter the home.
The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of the presence of a leak. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint as a result of the water weakening 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. After WWII larger expanses of glass with tempered were made available. They're used only as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Wind or rain can damage one support or a small portion of them, resulting in cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.
First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that does not leave traces. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife trim the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. 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 coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.
If you're experiencing an issue that is more serious such as cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In such cases you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.
Installing window repairs near me is a less expensive option. These windows are made of a complete glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.
Installing a drip cap can prevent water from leaking into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They're much easier to install than windowsash replacements and will provide you with the same functionality as a genuine muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time for assistance. A damaged sash, not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a broken sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.
Often, the problem is caused by worn out or improperly hung cords for sash. It's simple to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need remove the tabs made of metal that secure the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash and then pull it toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to remove with care the parting strips that separate the sash.
It's important that you check the metal tabs on the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same it's difficult to put the new one in its place and could affect the way it functions. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs at their proper locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your windows for damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as you can, to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames are deteriorating they can be treated with a homemade preserver created with half mineral spirits and boiling in linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window against the elements.