7 Useful Tips For Making The Most Of Your Repair Window
When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work carefully. First, wear a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to stop glass shards from cutting you during your work.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window. This will stop rain, snow and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked window glass not only makes your home appear less appealing however, it could let drafts and other elements to enter the house. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, like an abrupt change in temperature or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows operating effectively.
If your window is damaged but not broken, a quick fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris and keep out the elements.
If the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, you should consult an expert. A professional glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.
A crack caused by an impact is the most popular type of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. If window repairs have double-pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your windows.
Another type of crack is a stress crack, which develops gradually as time passes, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and can eventually grow into complete breaks.
A more serious, but feasible crack is a pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of low or high air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.
If you're willing to go further than tape and nail polish, there are a few alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY method epoxy is a durable 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 under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or decaying, it might be time to start a windows repair project. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's best to contact a professional to help you with the repairs immediately. Leaking windows are among the most common causes of structural damage and mold and should not be left untreated.
In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and remove any existing caulking.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
If windows have double panes, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. Over time the seal will be worn out and allow water to enter your home.
The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indicator of the presence of a leak. These are caused when the drywall is saturated with moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering 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 bigger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're mostly used as decorative elements in some older homes.
Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle parts.
First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Then, remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, seal 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 initial pass. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.
If you're dealing with a more severe problem such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in middle of the window it's likely to be recommended to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of style and size.
For a less expensive alternative, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows come with 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 can prevent water from leaking into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They're much simpler to install than windowsash replacements and will provide you with the same functions as a real muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time for some help. If not taken care of, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a broken window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and functioning.
Often, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll need to remove the strip of separation that is what separates the sash from other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords are.
After you've removed the sash, you must take the time to examine its metal tabs against the ones on the new sash. If they are different it may be difficult to put the new sash in its proper place and could affect how well the sash functions. Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by placing tabs in the correct places on your 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 this regularly as the wood shrinks and gets worn down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. If you find any obvious damage, it should be repaired as soon as you can to avoid a bigger problem from developing.
If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.