When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when you are repairing windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.

A quick solution to a damaged window is to place an aluminum cover over the crack. This will stop rain, snow, and insects from entering your home.

Cracked glass

Glass that is cracked not only make your home look less appealing, but it can let drafts and other elements into the house. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, like a sudden change in temperature it is crucial to have them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning properly.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window, even if it's not damaged. It's an easy and affordable solution that can provide protection from dust, water bugs and other particles and keep out the elements.

If the crack is getting larger or has become large, it is recommended to speak with an expert. An experienced glazier can identify the root of the problem and suggest a suitable repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most popular type of window repairs near me break, typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous in the event that they become loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of the Double Glazed Window Repairs Near Me-pane upvc window repair and reduce its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into complete breaks.

A more serious but still feasible crack is the pressure crack. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window repairs near me and could be a result of low or high air pressure, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're looking to take a step beyond nail polish and tape there are a few other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. 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 strong adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window appear like it did not have a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. The excess moisture can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew which can create a range of issues for your home. They can affect the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house.

It is recommended to contact an expert if water is visible or leaking from outside. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural and mold damage So don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and remove any existing caulking.

You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they could become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris.

If you have double-paned windows, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain the gas from escaping between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down with time and allow water to leak into the house.

Another indication of a leak is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it 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 glass with tempered were made available. They're used only as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle and decaying parts.

First, clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave a residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat.

If you have an issue that is more serious such as cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both style and size.

To save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with muntins that are attached to the surface creating a divided appearance. These windows are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, consider installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from getting into the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps in aluminum for around $20. These are much easier 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 for assistance. If it's not checked the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, you should replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. You'll first 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 and then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash from the other so you can access the location where the sash cords reside.

Once you've removed the sash, it's important to take the time to compare its metal tabs to those of the new sash. If they're different, it can be difficult to place the new sash in its proper place and could impact how the sash functions. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in the correct places on the new window.

You'll have to examine the frame of your window, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made with half mineral spirits and half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can restore your frames using a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.