When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, it's important to work with care. First, you should put on a pair cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a quick solution for a window that has cracked. This will keep snow, rain and insects from getting into your home.
Cracked Glass
Broken windows not only makes your home look less appealing but let drafts and other elements to enter the house. The cracks could be caused by an collision (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, for example an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are working properly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not damaged. It's an easy and affordable solution that provides protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris, as well as keeping out the weather.
If the crack is getting larger or is getting more extensive, it is best to consult with an expert. A professional glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.
A crack caused by an impact is the most frequent type of window break typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous in the event that they become loose. The crack could compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. It is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by low or high 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 tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY method, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window appear like it never had a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. The excess moisture can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house.
If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame it's best to seek out a professional to assist repair the issue right away. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are a leading cause of structural damage and mold.
In many instances, a single layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area, though, and take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.
Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater but can become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
If you have double-paned windows, you'll also need to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and allow water to leak into the house.
Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. 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 removing it from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are known in the UK), separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses tempered glass were available. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports can be damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle and decaying components.
Clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Then, remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to fully dry before removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If you have an even more serious issue such as a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In such cases, you'll need to look for a replacement that matches the existing window in both the design and size.
Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows come with a complete pane of glass that is topped with the muntins being glued to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
Installing a drip-cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. They're much simpler to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for some help. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, it is recommended to replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
The problem is often caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash then pull it toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the strip that is what separates the sash from other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords are located.
After you've removed the sash, be sure to compare its metal tabs to the ones on your new sash. If they're different, it may be difficult to insert the new sash into its proper slot and will impact how the sash functions. Fortunately, this can be easily corrected by simply placing tabs in their proper positions on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check your window frame for any problems or rot. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood shrinks and wears down over time. If window repairs near me notice any visible damage, it must be addressed as soon as you can to avoid a bigger problem from developing.
If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made using half mineral spirits and half boiled linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you are able to re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can protect your window from the elements as well.