What Are The Myths And Facts Behind Repair Window
When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is important to be cautious when fixing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.
An easy solution to a damaged window is to place a plastic covering over the crack. This will keep snow, rain and insects from getting into your home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked glass can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or baseball or stress, such as a sudden temperature change, but it is crucial to get them fixed as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning effectively.
Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it's not broken. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to shield your window from dust, water, bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the elements.
If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is extensive, it is best to speak with a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
A crack caused by an impact is the most common type of window break typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to break it. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous in the event that they become loose. This crack can compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly as time passes due to extreme temperature fluctuations 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 feasible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of high or low air pressure, which can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear like it never had any cracks in it at all.
Leaking Windows
If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it might be time to consider a window repair project. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions which can cause a number of problems within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can even worsen allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming in from the outside or is visible through the frame it's best to contact a professional to help you with the repairs 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 all that's needed to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and get rid of any existing caulking.
Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will ensure a barrier between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. Over time the seal may wear out and allow water into your home.
Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.
window repairs & Mullions
In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in classic multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass with tempered were made available. They're mostly used as decorative elements in a few older homes.
Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle components.
Clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Let the paint completely dry before removing 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 recommended to replace the sash. In such cases you'll need to search for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both the design and size.
For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are attached to the surface which gives them a split appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.
Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering the window frame. You can find a variety of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They're much simpler to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same function as an authentic mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash must be a sign that you need to call for help. If not taken care of the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've broken a sash you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.
The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that secure the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To get access to the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove the strip that separates the sash.
After you've removed the sash, take the time to compare its metal tabs to the tabs on your new sash. If they are different it can be difficult to insert the new sash in its proper slot and will affect the way that the sash performs. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct places on your new window.
You'll need to check your window frame as well to look for any signs of damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames have begun to deteriorate and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements too.