How To Tell If You're Set For Repair Window
When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, it's essential to work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.
Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window. This will stop insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home.
Glass that has cracked
Cracked window glass not only make your home look less appealing, but it can let drafts and other elements into the home. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer, or stress, like a sudden temperature drop, but it is essential to have them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working correctly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it's not damaged. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from dust, water, bugs and other sand. It also helps keep out the weather.
If the crack is getting bigger or is deep, it is advised to speak with a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They typically occur when a sharp object hits your window with enough force that it cracks. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous if they become loose. This crack can compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane windows and decrease its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A more serious but still possible crack is one that is a pressure crack. This is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by high or low pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.
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. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it did not have cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or decaying, it might be time to consider a window repair . Excessive moisture creates a breeding ground for mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can decrease the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the home.
If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to contact a professional to help you to fix the problem right away. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They're a major cause of structural damage and mold.
In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is all you need to stop the leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking.
It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time.
If windows are double-paned it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. Over time the seal will be worn out and allow water into your home.
Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of leaks. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling 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 classic multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII They went out of fashion. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting components.
First, clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal 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 that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to completely dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more severe like an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In such cases you'll need to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both the design and size.
To save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass that is topped with the muntins being attached to the surface creating a divided look. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however.
If you're looking for a simple method to upgrade your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same functions as a genuine mullion, or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash should be a signal that you need to call for help. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've broken a sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and working.
The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Fortunately, replacing them is quite simple and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off the metal tabs holding the sash. Push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to take it off. It is important to remove the strip that separates the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords are located.
It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're not the same it's difficult to insert the new one in its slot and affect how the sash operates. This can be corrected by putting the tabs in their proper positions on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your windows for damage or decay. It's recommended to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a more serious issue.
If your window frames are in bad condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.