Five Repair Window Lessons From The Pros
When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is important to be cautious when repairing your windows. First, you should put on a pair safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent glass shards from cutting you as you work.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. This will keep rain, snow and insects from entering the home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and let drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact, like soccer or baseball or stress, such as a sudden temperature change, it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working correctly.
If your window is cracked but not broken, an easy fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from dust, water, bugs and other debris. It also keeps out the weather.
If the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, you should seek out an expert. A professional glazier will determine the root of the crack and recommend the best repair method.
Impact cracks are the most frequent kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your windows.
Another type of crack is a stress crack which can develop gradually over time because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edge of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown breaks.
A more serious, but feasible crack is a pressure crack. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of low or high air pressure that can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. 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 strong adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window look like it has never had cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp zone under your window, or the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture which can cause various issues within your home. They can reduce indoor air quality, lead to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's a good idea to seek out an expert to assist you repair the issue right away. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of mold and structural damage So don't leave them untreated.
In many cases, a simple caulking layer is enough to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area, though, and take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.
It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time with insect corpses or other debris.
Examine the seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help maintain a seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and let water enter the home.
Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of a leak. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in the classic multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're used only as decorative elements in some older homes.
The effects of rain or wind can harm one support or a small portion of them, resulting in an opening in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying elements.
Clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Then, remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower part of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In such cases, you'll need to look for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.
Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows feature a complete pane of glass, with a series of muntins that are glued to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, think about installing an additional drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at the majority of home centers for around $20. They're much simpler to install than an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functionality as a real muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a sign that you should seek help. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.
Often, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed the sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Push up on the other side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to pull it out. You'll need to remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other to allow access to the location where the sash cords are located.
window repair near me is crucial to check the metal tabs on the old sash to the new one. If they're not the same, it will be hard to insert the new one in its slot and could affect the way it functions. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect your window frame for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. If you find any obvious damage, it should be fixed as quickly as possible to prevent an even bigger issue from arising.
If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiled linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window against the elements.