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 shattering.
A quick fix for a broken window is to place a plastic covering over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from getting into the home.
Glass that has cracked
Cracked window glass not only makes your home look less appealing however, it could let drafts and other elements to enter the house. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball or a stress like the sudden temperature change, it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning properly.
If your window is cracked, but not broken, a simple solution is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a cheap and simple solution that can provide protection from dust, water bugs and other particles and keep out the weather.
If the crack is becoming bigger or is large, it is recommended to seek advice from an expert. A glazier who is experienced can identify the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable 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. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. The crack could affect the gas in the panes of your double-pane windows and decrease its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops because of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A more serious but doable crack is a pressure crack. It is a curvy straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. window repairs can be caused by high or low pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.
If you're looking to take further than nail polish and tape, there are several other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it could be time to consider a window repair. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions and can cause numerous issues in your home. They can reduce the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.
It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or leaking from outside. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.
In many cases 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 new caulking.
You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.
Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the frame. This helps to keep the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. Over time, the seal can wear out and allow water into your home.
Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated with moisture that weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars as they are called 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. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative feature in some older homes.
Most of the time it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports could get damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying components.
Clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut 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 tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.
If the problem is more serious like an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In such cases you'll need to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of style and size.
Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows feature a complete pane of glass, with muntins that are that are glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
Installing a drip-cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're much simpler to install than an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functions as a real muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time to seek some help. If not taken care of, a damaged sash could cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is sealed.
Often, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need dislodge the metal tabs that keep the sash in place. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash, and then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. To access the sash cords, you'll need to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.
Once you've removed the sash, you must be sure to compare its metal tabs to the ones on your new sash. If they're different it can be difficult to place the new one into its slot and could affect the way it operates. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in the correct places on the new window.
You'll need to check your window frame as well for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down as time passes. If you spot any visible damage it should be addressed as soon as you can, to avoid a bigger problem from developing.
If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can restore your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.