A Reference To Repair Window From Beginning To End
When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work with care. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.
A quick fix for a broken window is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering the home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or a baseball or a stress like the sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning effectively.
If your window is cracked but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to it. window repairs Margate is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from water, dust bugs, and other debris. It also keeps out the elements.
If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become large, it is recommended to speak with an expert. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.
An impact crack is the most common type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually display an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. The crack could affect the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually expand into full-blown break.
A pressure crack is a much more serious crack but it is still able to be repaired. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window. It could be the result of low or high air pressure, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
If you're willing to go a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are a few other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window look like it has never had cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can decrease the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the house.
It is best to call an expert if water is visible or comes from outside. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural and mold damage So don't leave them untreated.
In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have to clean the area and get rid of any existing caulking.
You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. They are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris as time passes.
Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This creates a barrier of gas between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal will wear out and allow water into your home.
The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indicator of a leak. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are known in the UK), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're mostly used as decorative elements in some older homes.
Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports can be 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. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that does not leave traces. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. Once you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.
If you're experiencing a more severe problem such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in middle of the window, it's likely to be best to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both the design and size.
Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows have a full pane of glass with muntins that are attached to the surface creating a divided look. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however.
Installing a drip cap can prevent water from leaking into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same function as a real mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash should be a sign that you should seek help. A damaged sash, left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, it is recommended to replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
Often, the problem is caused by worn out or improperly installed sash cords. It's easy to replace these cords on 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 does not matter which side) of the sash then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. To get access to the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.
Once you've removed the sash, you must make sure you examine its metal tabs against the tabs on your new sash. If they're different, it will be hard to insert the new one in its slot and affect how the sash functions. This can be corrected by placing the tabs in their correct places on the new window.
You'll need to check the frame of your window, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and break down as time passes. It is important to repair any visible damage as soon as possible to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames are deteriorating they can be treated with a homemade preserver created of half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.