When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.

An easy fix for a broken window is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will prevent snow, rain and insects out of your home.

Glass that has cracked

Cracked glass can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, like a baseball or soccer, or stress, like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning properly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it's not broken. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from water, dust bugs, and other debris. It also helps keep out the weather.

However, if the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's recommended to consult an expert. A professional glazier can identify the root of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

An impact crack is the most common type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could compromise the gas between the panes of the double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.

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

A more serious, but feasible crack is the pressure crack. It's usually a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window. It can be the result of high or low air pressure, which can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will offer a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you prefer to do it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it might be time to consider a window repair. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture, which can lead to a number of problems within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can worsen allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to seek out a professional to help you repair the issue immediately. Don't put off leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is all you need to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area, though, and remove any old caulking before applying new caulking.

It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

If you have double-paned windows, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help maintain a barrier between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and let water leak into the house.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated with water. There is also the possibility of peeling paint as 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 traditional multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mostly used as decorative elements in a few older homes.

Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle parts.

First, clean the affected areas with a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window repair near me muntins using an exact 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 coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.

If you have a more severe problem such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these cases it's crucial to find an alternative window that is in line with the design and size of the present one.

If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass that is topped with a series of muntins attached to the surface, giving them a divided look. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps in aluminum for about $20. They're much easier to install than an alternative window sash and will provide you with the same function as an authentic mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you should contact a professional. A sash that is broken ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a broken sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.

Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly installed cords for sash. Luckily, replacing these is quite simple and can be accomplished in all Double Glazed window repairs near me-hung windows. You'll first need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Then, push up on the side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to take it off. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.

Once you've removed the sash, it's important to make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to the ones on the new sash. If they're not the same, it can be difficult to put the new sash in its correct slot and could impact how the sash operates. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check your window frame for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood shrinks and wears down over time. It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as you can, to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.