When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, it's essential to work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.
An easy fix for a broken window is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects from entering your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that has cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature drop, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows working effectively.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it's not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs and other particles and keep out the weather.
If the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to consult an expert. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
window repairs near me is the most common type of window break typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous in the event that they become loose. The crack could affect the gas in the panes of the double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edge of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks.
A pressure crack is a more serious crack but it is still able to be repaired. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be the result of high or low air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.
If you're ready to take a step beyond nail polish and tape there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you prefer to DIY epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks in it at all.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window or that the wood around it appears weak or rotting, it might be the time to fix your windows. In excess moisture, it creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the house.
If the water is coming in from the outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to contact a professional to assist with the repairs right away. Don't put off leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer.
Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater but can become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris.
If windows are double-paned, you'll also need to examine the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal will be worn out and allow water to enter your home.
Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These occur when wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are called in the UK) separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mostly used as a decorative feature 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 rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.
First, clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular attention to areas that were lightly coated on the first go. Let the paint completely dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If you're dealing with a more severe problem, such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in the center of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these instances it's crucial to find a replacement window that matches the style and size of the current one.
Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows come with a complete pane of glass with a series of muntins glued to the surface which gives them a split look. These windows are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.
Installing a drip cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps in aluminum for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same functionality as a genuine mullion or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time to get some help. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, replace it immediately to ensure that the window is sealed.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or improperly installed cords for sash. Fortunately, replacing them is quite simple and is possible in most double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. Push up on the other side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to pull it out. It is important to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords are located.
Once you've removed the sash, it's important to take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to the ones on your new sash. If they're not the same it's difficult to insert the new one in its slot and affect how the sash operates. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at their proper positions on your new window.
You'll need to inspect your window frame as well to look for any signs of damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as soon as you can, to avoid a bigger issue.
If your window frames have begun to deteriorate and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.