When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, it's essential to be careful when working. First, you should put on a pair cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to stop glass shards from cutting you as you work.
An easy fix for a broken window is to place a plastic covering over the crack. This will prevent snow, rain, and insects from entering your home.
Cracked Glass
Broken windows not only makes your home appear less appealing, but it can also allow drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, like soccer or a baseball, or stress, like an abrupt temperature change, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning effectively.
If your window is cracked, but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to it. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield 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 an expert. A professional glazier will determine the root of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They usually occur when a solid object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually expand into full-blown break.
A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be fixed. It is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by high or low pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window look like it did not have cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mildew and mold, which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and even increase the severity of allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.
It is recommended to contact an expert if the water is visible or comes from outside. Leaking windows are among the most common causes of structural damage and mold and should not be left untreated.
In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all that's needed to stop the leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first however, and then take off any caulking that is old before applying the new layer.
You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they could become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris.
Check the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This creates the gas from escaping between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal may be worn out and allow water into your home.
Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of the presence of a leak. The drywall turns discolored when it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, 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 classic multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass with tempered were made available. They're mostly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.
The effects of rain or wind can harm a single support or a small portion of them, resulting in a crack in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.
Clean window repair near me affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to the areas which were lightly coated on the first pass. Let the paint completely dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more serious like an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the existing one.
Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows are made of a complete glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. These windows are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.
Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same function as a real mullion or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a signal that you should seek help. If not taken care of, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, it is recommended to replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is sealed.
Often, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed cords for sash. It's easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need dislodge the metal tabs that hold the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.
It's important that you compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're different, it will be hard to place the new one into its slot and impact how the sash operates. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check the frame of your windows for damage or rot. It's a good idea to check it regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, especially with exposure to the elements. If you notice any visible damage it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent the development of a larger issue.
If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made with half mineral spirits and half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can restore your frames with high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.