When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when you are repairing windows. First, wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work.
A quick fix for a broken window is to put a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow, and insects from entering your 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, such as soccer or baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature drop, but it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning effectively.
If your window is cracked, but not broken, a simple fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from water, dust, bugs, and other debris. It also helps keep out the weather.
If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is extensive, it is best to speak with a professional. A skilled glazier can determine the cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair procedure.
A crack caused by an impact is the most common type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to break it. The cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect your window's energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and eventually expand into full-blown break.
A pressure crack is a more severe crack however it can be repaired. It's usually a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be the result of low or high air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it never had cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can worsen allergies. If left unchecked they could cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to contact a professional to help you to fix the problem immediately. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of structural damage and mold and should not be left untreated.
In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have to clean the area and take off any caulking you have already applied.
You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will ensure a barrier between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. Over time the seal will get worn out and let water into your home.
Another indication of leaks is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling 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 larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mostly used as decorative elements in some older homes.
Wind or rain can damage a single support or a small group, leaving a crack in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle parts.
Clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.
If you're experiencing an even more serious issue, such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in the middle of the window, it's likely to be best to replace the sash. In these instances you'll need to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both style and size.
To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows are constructed of a complete glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. These windows are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.
If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at the majority of home centers for around $20. They're much simpler to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same function as an authentic muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time to get some help. If not taken care of the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, replace it immediately to ensure that the window is sealed.
The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. You'll first need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. Press upwards on the side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to pull it out. To get access to the cords of the sash, you'll need to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash.
After you've removed your sash, you must take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're not the same, it will be hard to insert the new one into its slot and affect how the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in their proper places on the new window.
You'll need to check the frame of your window, too for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood shrinks and wears down over time. You should repair any visible damage as fast as you can, to avoid a more serious issue.
If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. window repairs near me of paint will protect your window from the elements as well.