When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when fixing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple solution for a window that has cracked. This will keep insects, snow and rain from entering the home.

Cracked glass

Cracked window glass not only makes your home appear less appealing, but it can also allow drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact like a baseball or soccer or a stress like the sudden temperature change, it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning correctly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not damaged. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from dust, water, bugs and other debris. It also shields your windows from the weather.

If the crack is becoming larger or has become deep, it is advised to seek advice from an expert. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair method.

An impact crack is the most frequent type of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are typically with a starburst-like pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be dangerous if they come loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your windows.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious, but possible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by high or low pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it never had cracks at all!

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. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture and can cause a number of problems within your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging of drywall and 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 comes from outside. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of mold and structural damage So don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is all that's needed to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and get rid of any caulking you have already applied.

Check the weepholes of the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time with insect corpses or other debris.

Make sure you have a seal between your double glazing-paned window and the frame. This helps to keep a gas barrier between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away over time,, and let water enter the home.

Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indication of a leak. They occur when the drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering 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 known in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. They're mainly used as decorative elements in some older homes.

Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports may be damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these rotting or brittle parts.

First, clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower part of the window frame. Then, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying close attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Let the paint completely dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with the style and size of the existing one.

Installing a grid window doctor, see here, is a less expensive option. These windows have a full pane of glass, Window Doctor with the muntins being glued to the surface which gives them a split look. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.

Installing a drip cap can stop water from entering the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash and will provide you with the same functionality as a real muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a sign that you need to call for help. If not taken care of, a broken sash can cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. First, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull it toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. You'll need to remove the parting strip that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords are located.

It is crucial to check the metal tabs on the old sash to those of the new one. If they're not the same, it can be difficult to place the new sash into its proper slot and will impact how the sash performs. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing tabs in their proper positions on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect your window frame for any damage or rot. It's recommended to do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are in bad condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created using half mineral spirits and half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you can finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window against the elements.