When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when you are repairing windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.
A quick solution to a damaged window is to apply an aluminum cover over the crack. This will stop rain, snow, and insects from entering your home.
Glass that has cracked
Glass that is cracked not only makes your home look less appealing however, it could also allow drafts and other elements into the home. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, for example an abrupt change in temperature it is crucial to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are operating properly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window, even if it's not broken. It's a cheap and simple solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs and other particles and keep out the elements.
If the crack appears to be getting larger or is getting more large, it is recommended to speak with an expert. An experienced glazier will be able to determine the root of the problem and recommend a suitable repair procedure.
An impact crack is the most common type of window break, usually resulting from a solid 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, which can affect the efficiency of your window's energy use.
Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually as time passes because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and can progress to full-blown breaks.
A more serious but still feasible crack is a pressure crack. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and can be the result of high or low air pressure, which could 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 nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and durability for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY route, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it has never had cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it might be time for a windows repair. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen symptoms of allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame it's best to get an expert to assist you to fix the problem immediately. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need clean the area and get rid of any caulking that is in place.
Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. They are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned windows and the frame. This will ensure a barrier between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. As time passes the seal may wear out and allow water to enter your home.
Water stains on ceiling and walls are another indicator of the presence of a leak. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. You might also find peeling paint as a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK) separated and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. Today, they're only used as a decorative feature in a few older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to the support of a single piece or small group, leaving a crack in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying components.
Clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular focus on the areas which were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.
If the issue is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In such cases you'll need to search for a replacement that matches the existing window in both style and size.
For a less expensive alternative you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are constructed of a complete glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.
Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at the majority of home centers for around $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time for assistance. If left unchecked the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
The problem is often caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is relatively simple and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash, and then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll need to remove the strip of separation that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the location where the sash cords are.
window repair that you check the metal tabs on the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different, it may be difficult to place the new sash in its proper place and could affect the way that the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct positions on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your windows for damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a more serious issue.
If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated with a homemade preserver created from half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements as well.