10 Things People Get Wrong About The Word "Repair Window"
When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when repairing your windows. The first step is to wear a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work.
An easy solution to a damaged window is to put a plastic covering over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked not only make your home look less appealing, but it can also let drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer or stress, such as the sudden temperature change, it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning properly.
If your window is cracked but not broken, a simple solution is to use clear tape to cover it. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from water, dust bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the weather.
If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become extensive, it is best to seek advice from an expert. A glazier who is experienced can determine the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair method.
Impact cracks are the most popular kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be risky if they break loose. The crack could affect the gas that is between the panes of the double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually as time passes, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually expand into full-blown break.
A pressure crack is a more serious crack however it can be fixed. It is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by low or high pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
If you're ready to take a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are a few other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather do it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it appears weak or rotting, it might be time to repair your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture which can cause various issues within your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen symptoms of allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your house.
If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame, it's a good idea to seek out an expert to assist you with the repairs right away. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of structural damage and mold, so don't leave them untreated.
In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is enough to stop the leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and remove any caulking you have already applied.
You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
If windows are double-paned, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass 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 be worn out and allow water into your home.
Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are known in the UK), separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.
Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.
First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to fully dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If you're dealing with an issue that is more serious, such as a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the existing one.
To save money you can also put in an attached grid window. window repair are constructed of a full glass pane, with a set of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows.
If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They're much easier to install than windowsash replacements, and they'll provide you with the same functions as an authentic mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to get some help. If it's not checked the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.
Often, the problem is caused by worn out or improperly installed the sash cords. Fortunately, replacing them is quite simple and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash and then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To access the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip of separation that separates the sash.
It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they are different it may be difficult to put the new sash in its correct slot and could affect how well the sash operates. This can be corrected by placing the tabs in the correct locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check the frame of your windows for problems or decay. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a bigger issue.
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 boiling Linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.