When It's Time to Repair Windows It's important to be careful when repairing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards. A quick fix for a window that is broken is to apply a plastic covering over the crack. This will stop rain, snow and insects from getting into the home. Cracked Glass Glass that is cracked not only make your home less attractive, but it can also allow drafts and other elements into the home. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer or a stress like a sudden temperature drop, but it is crucial to get 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 use clear tape to cover it. It's an easy and affordable solution that provides protection from dust, water bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the elements. If the crack is extensive or is getting worse, it's best to seek out an expert. A professional glazier will determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair procedure. An impact crack is the most common kind of window break, typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous in the event that they become loose. The crack could compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency. Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops because of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks. A more serious but possible crack is a pressure crack. It is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by high or low pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract. If window repairs looking to take a step beyond nail polish and tape there are alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you prefer to make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop 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 area under your window or the wood surrounding it is soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. In excess moisture, it creates a breeding ground for mildew and mold, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can increase the severity of allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home. If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's a good idea to get an expert to assist you repair the issue immediately. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are the most frequent cause of structural damage and mold. In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first though, and get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer. It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time. Examine the seal between the double-paned window and the frame. This will help to maintain the gas from escaping between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal may get worn out and let water to enter your home. Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indication of the presence of a leak. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. There is also the possibility of peeling paint, which is a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing away from the wall. Faux Muntins & Mullions In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK) separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes. Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying elements. First, clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Then, 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, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a thick layer of white paint, paying particular attention to areas which were lightly coated on the first pass. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat. If you're dealing with an even more serious issue such as cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of style and size. If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They are not as energy efficient as traditional windows. If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same function as a real mullion or muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A damaged window sash should be a signal that you need to seek help. If not taken care of, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed. The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and can be done in most double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off the metal tabs holding the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash and then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove with care the parting strips that separate the sash. After you've removed the sash, take the time to examine its metal tabs against the ones on the new sash. If they're different it's difficult to insert the new one in its slot and impact how the sash functions. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at the correct places on the new window. In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect the frame of your windows for problems or rot. It's a good idea do this regularly as wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, especially with exposure to the elements. If you notice any obvious damage, it should be fixed as quickly as you can to avoid an even bigger issue from arising. If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them using a homemade preserver made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can then re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window against the elements.
window repairs
