When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, you must be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.
An easy solution to a damaged window is to apply a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent insects, snow, and rain from entering the home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that has cracked can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, such as a sudden change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning properly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it's not broken. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs, and other debris. It also shields your windows from the weather.
However, if the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to seek out an expert. A professional glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure.
A crack caused by an impact is the most popular kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your window's energy use.
Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly as time passes due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually expand into full-blown break.
window repairs is a more severe crack, but it can still be fixed. This is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by low or high pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
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 it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather DIY epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window or that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it might be the time to fix your windows. The excess moisture can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can decrease the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
It's best to call an expert if water is visible or comes from the outside. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural and mold damage So don't leave them untreated.
In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll need to clean the area and take off any existing caulking.
Check the weepholes of the frame for any 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 frame. This will ensure a seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. The seal may wear away over time, however, and let water enter the home.
Water stains on walls and ceiling are another indicator of a leak. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture that 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 away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. Since the larger 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.
Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting components.
First, clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife trim the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.
If you have a more severe problem, such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in middle of the window, then it's probably better to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with the style and size of the present one.
If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are made of a full glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.
Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps in aluminum for about $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash and come with the same functionality as a genuine mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to get some help. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It's simple 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, you need to push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash, and then pull it towards the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To reach the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.
It is important to check the metal tabs on the old sash with the new one. If they're different, it can be difficult to insert the new sash into its proper slot and will impact how the sash functions. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing tabs in their proper locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine your window frame for any damage or decay. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood shrinks and wears down over time. You should repair any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a more serious issue.
If your window frames are deteriorating they can be treated using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can then finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can protect your window from the elements as well.