When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when you are repairing windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. This will keep rain, snow and insects from getting into the home.
Glass that has cracked
Broken windows not only makes your home less attractive but also allow drafts and other elements to enter the house. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or baseball or stress, such as a sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning properly.
Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it is not damaged. It's an easy and affordable solution that will provide some protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters, as well as keeping out the weather.
If the crack is large or is getting worse, you should seek out an expert. A skilled glazier can determine the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair method.
A crack caused by an impact is the most frequent type of window break typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A pressure crack is a much more serious crack however it can be repaired. It is typically a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could 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 to go further than tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it never had cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions which can cause numerous issues in your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and even increase the severity of allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's a good idea to seek out a professional to help you with the repairs immediately. Don't ignore leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.
In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first but you must also get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer.
It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time with insect corpses or other debris.
If windows are double-paned, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help maintain a seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. As time passes, the seal can wear out and allow water into your home.
Water stains on walls and ceiling are another indicator of leaks. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture that weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. There may also be peeling paint, which is a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are known in the UK), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. Today, they're only used as a decorative feature in some older homes.
Sometimes it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting elements.
Clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Remove window repair near me or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between 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 that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let the paint completely dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more severe like an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the current one.
If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows.
Installing a drip cap can prevent water from leaking into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They're much simpler to install than an alternative window sash and will provide you with the same function as a genuine muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time to seek some help. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.
Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung cords for sash. It's easy to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash, and then pull it toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. It is important to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash from the other to allow access to the area where the sash cords reside.
It is crucial to examine the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to insert the new sash into its proper place and could impact how the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs at their proper locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check your window frame for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. If you find any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.
If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative made with half mineral spirits and half boiled linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements as well.