When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is important to be cautious when fixing your windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.
Placing a plastic cover over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. This will stop snow, rain and insects out of your home.
Cracked glass
Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact, like soccer or a baseball or a stress like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows working properly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window, even if it's not damaged. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from water, dust bugs and other debris. It also helps keep out the elements.
If the crack is getting larger or is getting more extensive, it is best to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.
A crack caused by an impact is the most frequent type of window break usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually display a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your windows.
Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly as time passes because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually expand into full-blown break.
window repair near me is a more serious crack but it is still able to be repaired. This is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by high or low pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
If you're willing to go further than nail polish and tape there are a few other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather do it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at all.
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness under your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or decaying, it might be time for a windows repair project. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew which can create a range of problems for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house.
If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to seek out an expert to assist you with the repairs right away. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of structural and mold damage, so don't leave them untreated.
In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area, however, and then remove any old caulking before applying new caulking.
Examine the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could be clogged by insect corpses and other debris over time.
If windows are double-paned, you'll also need to examine the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and let water leak into the house.
The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of leaks. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of tempered glass were available. They're mostly 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 be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle parts.
First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.
If the problem is more serious like an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these instances, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the current one.
To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows are constructed of a glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. These windows aren't as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.
Installing a drip-cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. Most home centers sell these aluminum drip cap options for around $20. They're much simpler to install than windowsash replacements and will provide you with the same functionality as a genuine muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to get assistance. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a broken sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.
The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. First, you'll need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Press upwards on the other side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to pull it out. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.
After you've removed the sash, it's important to be sure to compare its metal tabs to the ones on your new sash. If they're different it's difficult to insert the new one into its slot and affect how the sash operates. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in the correct places on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your window for damage or decay. It's a good idea check it regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you spot any visible damage, it must be addressed as soon as you can to avoid a bigger problem from developing.
If your window frames have deteriorated and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried for two days, you are able to re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.