When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when repairing your windows. First, put on a pair cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to prevent glass shards from cutting you during your work.
Placing a plastic cover over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. This will prevent insects, snow and rain from getting into the home.
Cracked glass
Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to get in. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, for example a sudden change in temperature or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are working properly.
If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy 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 shields your windows from the weather.
If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is large, it is recommended to speak with an expert. An experienced glazier can identify the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair method.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They typically occur when a hard object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous when they break loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your windows.
Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually over time because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edge of your window, and can eventually grow into full-blown breaks.
A more serious but still feasible crack is one that is a pressure crack. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It can be the result of high or low air pressure, which could cause expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you prefer to do it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in 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 see a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it could be time for a windows repair project. In excess moisture, it 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 increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
It is recommended to contact an expert if the water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of mold and structural damage and should not be left untreated.
In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first but you must also take off any caulking that is old before applying the new layer.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they can also become blocked in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This helps to keep a barrier of gas between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away with time and let water leak into the house.
Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of leaks. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. There is also the possibility of 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, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in classic multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII They went out of fashion. They're mostly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.
Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle elements.
First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that doesn't leave any residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to areas that were lightly coated on the first go. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If you're experiencing a more severe problem, such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in middle of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these cases you'll need to search for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of style and size.
Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows are constructed of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a split appearance. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.
If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, think about installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps in aluminum for about $20. They're a lot easier to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for some help. If it's not checked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.
The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that hold the sash in place. Push up on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to remove it. It is important to remove the strip of separation that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the area where the sash cords reside.
Once you've removed the sash, it's important to take the time to examine its metal tabs against those of the new sash. If Sale window repairs 're not the same, it will be hard to put the new one in its slot and could affect the way it functions. This can be easily fixed by putting the tabs in the correct positions on your new window.
You'll need to check your window frame, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's recommended to check it regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. If you spot any obvious damage, it should be addressed as soon as you can to avoid the development of a larger issue.
If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created using half mineral spirits and half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will protect your window from the elements too.