When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is important to be cautious when repairing your windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy fix for a damaged window. This will keep insects, snow and rain from entering the home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to enter. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, like soccer or baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature change, it is important to have them repaired as soon as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working correctly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not broken. This is a quick, low-cost solution to protect your window from water, dust bugs and other sand. It also helps keep out the elements.
If the crack is getting larger or is getting more deep, it is advised to consult with a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They usually occur when a sharp object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. The crack could affect the gas between the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks.
A more serious, but doable crack is a pressure crack. It is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by high or low pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window appear like it never had cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp area under your window or the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be time to replace your windows. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can create a range of problems for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and even worsen allergies. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the home.
It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or coming from the outside. Leaking window repair are one of the main causes of structural and mold damage So don't leave them untreated.
In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area, though, and remove any old caulking before applying the new layer.
You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time.
Check the seal between your double-paned window and the frame. This helps to keep a gas barrier between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal may get worn out and let water to enter your home.
Water stains on ceiling and walls are another indicator of leaks. These occur when drywall is saturated with moisture that weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. You might also find peeling paint as a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling it away 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. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. Today, they're mainly utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to the support of a single piece or small group of them, creating a crack in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components.
First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaners that will not leave residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to fully dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these cases it's crucial to find an alternative window that is in line with both the style and size of the current one.
Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows have a full pane of glass with the muntins being that are glued to the surface creating a divided appearance. They are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.
If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, think about installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can find a variety of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functionality as a genuine muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash must be a sign that you need to call for help. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a broken window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.
The problem is often caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. Fortunately, replacing them 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. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.
It's important that you examine the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're different it's difficult to insert the new one in its slot and could affect the way it functions. This can be corrected by placing the tabs in their proper positions on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine your window frame for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you spot any visible damage it should be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid the development of a larger issue.
If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.