When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when repairing your windows. First, wear a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent glass shards from slicing you while you work.
An easy fix for a window that is broken is to apply an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked glass can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, like a baseball or soccer or stress, such as a sudden temperature change, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows working properly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that will provide some protection from dust, water bugs and other particles and keep out the elements.
If the crack is becoming larger or is getting more large, it is recommended to consult with an expert. A professional glazier will determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair method.
window repairs are the most common window breakage. They typically occur when a sharp object hits your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress crack, which develops gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually expand into full-blown break.
A pressure crack is a more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could be a result of high or low air pressure, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window appear like it never had cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it could be time to consider a window repair. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions and can cause various issues within your home. They can reduce indoor air quality, lead to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or coming from the outside. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural damage and mold and should not be left untreated.
In many instances the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.
You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. They are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris over time.
Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal may wear out and allow water to enter your home.
Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture that weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII They went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Often just a small or 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 or rotting elements.
First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that does not leave traces. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying close attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat.
If the issue is more severe like an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with both the style and size of the present one.
If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a glass pane with a series muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows.
If you're looking for an easy 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 drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same functionality as a genuine mullion, or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a sign that you need to call for help. A damaged sash, not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, you should replace it immediately to ensure that the window is sealed.
Often, the problem is caused by worn out or poorly installed the sash cords. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple 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 isn't important which) of the sash and then pull it toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To get access to the cords of the sash, you'll need to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash.
It is important to check the metal tabs on the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same it's difficult to put the new one into its slot and affect how the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by putting the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect your window frame for any damage or decay. It's a good idea do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you notice any visible damage, it must be addressed as soon as you can, to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.
If your window frames are deteriorating and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created of half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to finish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can help to protect your window from the elements, as well.