Your Family Will Be Thankful For Getting This Repair Window
When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is important to be cautious when fixing your windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.
Placing a plastic cover over the crack is an easy fix for a damaged window. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from getting into your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked not only make your home less attractive, but it can let drafts and other elements into the home. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or baseball or a stress like a sudden temperature change, it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows working correctly.
If your window is damaged but not broken, a simple fix is to apply clear tape to it. It's an easy and affordable solution that can provide protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and keep out the weather.
If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is extensive, it is best to speak with an expert. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the root cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They typically occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect your window's energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A more serious, but possible crack is the pressure crack. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of the window. It can be the result of high or low air pressure, which can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.
If you're looking to take a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it has never had a crack at all!
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 project. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the home.
It is best to call a professional if the water is visible or coming from the outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of structural damage and mold.
In many instances, a single layer of caulking is all you need to stop the leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and take off any existing caulking.
It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes.
If you have double-paned windows it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a barrier of gas between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away with time and allow water to leak into the house.
Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indicator of leaks. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. There is also the possibility of peeling paint as a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing 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. After WWII larger expanses of glass with tempered were made available. They're mainly 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 can get damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting components.
First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.
If the issue is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these instances it's crucial to find an alternative window that is in line with both the style and size of the present one.
Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows are constructed of a full glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.
If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap in order to prevent 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 windows sashes, and offer the same functions as a genuine mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time to get assistance. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, you should replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed the sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that secure the sash. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to take it off. It is important to remove the strip that separates the sash from the other so you can access the location where the sash cords reside.
After you've removed your sash, it's important to be sure to compare its metal tabs to the tabs on your new sash. If they're not the same, it will be hard to put the new one in its place and impact how the sash functions. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your windows for damage or rot. It's a good idea check it regularly since wood shrinks and wears down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a bigger issue.
If your window frames have begun to deteriorate and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you are able to re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.