When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work with care. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window. This will prevent snow, rain and insects from getting into your home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked window glass not only make your home appear less appealing, but it can let drafts and other elements to enter the house. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, for example a sudden change in temperature it is crucial to have them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are working effectively.
If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from water, dust bugs and other debris. It also keeps out the weather.
However, if the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's best to consult an expert. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair method.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They typically occur when a hard object hits your window with enough force that it cracks. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect your window's energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A more serious but still doable crack is a pressure crack. This 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 that causes the glass to expand or contract.
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 expensive but will offer a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd rather make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in 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 notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions and can cause various issues within your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen symptoms of allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the home.
If the water is coming in from the outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to get a professional to assist repair the issue right away. 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. window repair near me 'll need to thoroughly clean the area first however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer.
Examine the weepholes on the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time by insect carcasses or other debris.
Check the seal between your double-paned windows and the frame. This helps to keep a gas barrier between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal may get worn out and let water into your home.
Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and tearing away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in classic multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of tempered glass were available. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Wind or rain can damage one support or a small group of them, creating cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying parts.
Clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Then, take off any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.
If you have a more severe problem like cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, it's likely to be recommended to replace the sash. In these instances you'll need to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both the design and size.
To save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are made of a complete glass pane, with a set of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however.
If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from getting into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at the majority of home centers for around $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to seek some help. A broken sash, if left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and working.
Often, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed cords for sash. Luckily, replacing these is fairly easy and is possible in most double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash. Then, push up on the side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to remove it. 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.
Once you've removed the sash, make sure you compare its metal tabs to the ones on your new sash. If they're not the same, it will be hard to place the new one in its place and could affect the way it operates. Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.
You'll have to examine the frame of your window, too for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to check it regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you are able to restore your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.