When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, you must be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a simple solution for a window that has cracked. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked not only make your home less attractive, but it can also allow drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer, or stress, like the sudden temperature drop, but it is essential to have them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning correctly.
If your window is cracked, but not broken, an easy fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs and other debris. It also shields your windows from the weather.
If the crack appears to be getting larger or is getting more extensive, it is best to speak with an expert. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They usually occur when a hard object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous when they break loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your windows.
Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A pressure crack is a more serious crack however it can be fixed. It is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by low or high pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
If you're looking to take a step beyond nail polish and tape there are other products available for repairing 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 prefer to do 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 at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you see a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or decaying, it might be time for a windows repair project. In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can create a range of problems for your home. They can decrease the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's best to contact an expert to assist you repair the issue immediately. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of mold and structural damage, so don't leave them untreated.
In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and take off any existing caulking.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they can also become blocked in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
Examine the seal between the double-paned window and the frame. This will help to maintain a gas barrier between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away over time, however, and let water get into the home.
The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of the presence of a leak. The drywall turns discolored when it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it from the wall.
window repair near me & Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars as they are referred to in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're mainly utilized as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports can be damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying elements.
First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying special attention to the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If you have an even more serious issue such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in the middle of the window, it's likely to be better to replace the sash. In these cases you'll need to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of style and size.
For a less expensive alternative you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass that is topped with a series of muntins attached to the surface, giving them a divided look. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
Installing a drip-cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps in aluminum for around $20. They're much simpler to install than an alternative window sash and will provide you with the same functions as a real muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time for some help. If it's not checked, a damaged sash could cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've broken a sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly hung the sash cords. Fortunately, replacing them is quite simple and can be done in the majority of double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that secure the sash. Then, push up 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. It is important to remove the parting strip that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the location where the sash cords are.
After you've removed the sash, it's important to take the time to compare its metal tabs to the ones on the new sash. If they're different, it can be difficult to insert the new sash in its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their correct places on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your windows for damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. If you find any visible damage it should be fixed as quickly as possible to prevent an even bigger issue from arising.
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 then finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can help to protect your window from the elements, too.