When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when repairing your windows. First, wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from cutting you during your work.

A quick solution to a damaged window is to place a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering the home.

Glass that has cracked

Cracked window glass not only make your home less attractive, but it can also allow drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, like soccer or a baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature change, it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning effectively.

If your window is cracked but not broken, a simple fix is to apply 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 elements.

However, if the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to seek out a professional. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common type of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are typically accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. The crack could affect the gas between the panes of your double-pane windows and decrease its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress crack, which can develop gradually as time passes, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious but still possible crack is a pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of the window. It can be the result of low or high air pressure, which could cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

If you're ready to take further than nail polish and tape there are a few other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will offer a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY method, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window appear like it never had cracks in the first place!

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair project. The excess moisture can create a breeding ground for mildew and mold, which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen symptoms of allergies. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the house.

It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or coming from the outside. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of mold and structural damage So don't leave them untreated.

In many instances, caulking can be used to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area, but you must also get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking.

Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.

Check the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help maintain a seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal may be worn out and allow water into your home.

Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of the presence of a leak. The drywall will turn discolored once it is soaked with water. There is also the possibility of peeling paint caused by the effects of the water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and window replacement Near Me muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. They're mainly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the Window replacement near me. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these rotting or brittle elements.

Clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.

If the problem is more severe like an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.

Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows are made of a glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, think about installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps in aluminum for around $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a signal that you need to seek help. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've broken a sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed the sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. Push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to remove it. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords are located.

It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're different it can be difficult to place the new one into its slot and could affect the way it functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs at the correct places on the new window.

You'll need to check your window frame, too, for any damage or decay. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. You should repair any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative created by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window doctor against the elements.