When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is important to be cautious when you are repairing windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.
window repair to a damaged window is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep insects, snow and rain from getting into the home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked not only makes your home look less appealing however, it could also let drafts and other elements to enter the house. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact like soccer or baseball or stress, such as the sudden temperature change, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows working correctly.
If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy fix is to apply clear tape to it. This is a quick, low-cost solution to protect your window from dust, water, bugs and other debris. It also helps keep out the weather.
However, if the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's best to seek out an expert. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a hard object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. This crack can compromise the gas in the panes of the double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress crack, that develops slowly over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A more serious but feasible crack is a pressure crack. This is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by high or low pressure, which can cause 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 can give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY method epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window look like it did not have cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture and can cause various issues within your home. They can affect the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to contact a professional to assist to fix the problem immediately. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of structural and mold damage So don't leave them untreated.
In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area, though, and get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking.
Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. They are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.
If you have double-paned windows, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal may get worn out and let water into your home.
Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of a leak. They occur when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in classic multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass with tempered were made available. They're mainly used as decorative elements in a few older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to a single support or a small group of them, creating an opening in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle components.
First, clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave a residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After you've cut the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first pass. Let the paint completely dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If you're dealing with an even more serious issue such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in center of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances, you'll need to look for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.
To save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with a series of muntins glued 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. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're much simpler to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functions as an authentic muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to seek some help. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
The problem is often caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that secure the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash, and then pull it toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.
It is crucial to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're different, it will be hard to place the new one into its slot and affect how the sash operates. Fortunately, this can be easily corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine your window frame for any problems or rot. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. You should repair any visible damage as soon as possible to avoid a more serious issue.
If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.