10 Unexpected Repair Window Tips

When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is important to be cautious when fixing your windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a quick fix for a damaged window. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from entering the home.

Glass that has cracked

Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to get in. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change, it's important to get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows working properly.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not broken. It's a cheap and simple solution that provides protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris and keep out the elements.

If the crack is becoming bigger or is large, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional. A glazier who is experienced can identify the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent type of window break typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually display an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of the double glazed repairs near me-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature changes 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 still doable crack is the pressure crack. It is typically a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of high or low air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows if you're willing go beyond 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 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 at all!

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it could be time to start a windows repair. The excess moisture can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can create a range of problems for your home. They can reduce the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall, and can worsen symptoms of allergies. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the home.

If the water is coming in from the outside or is visible through the frame it's best to seek out a professional to assist repair the issue right away. Leaking windows are among 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 you apply the new caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and get rid of any caulking you have already applied.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

If you have double-paned windows it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. Over time the seal may get worn out and let water to enter your home.

Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indicator of a leak. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in the classic multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Wind or rain can damage a single support or a small portion of them, resulting in a crack in the window. repairs to double glazing can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying components.

Clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.

If you're experiencing an even more serious issue like a crack that forms an hourglass shape in the center of the window, it's likely to be recommended to replace the sash. In these cases it's crucial to find the right replacement window that matches the design and size of the existing one.

Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows feature a complete pane of glass, with muntins that are attached to the surface creating a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, think about installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. Most home centers sell these aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same functions as a real mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a sign that you need to contact a professional. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.

The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that hold the sash in place. Then, push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to remove it. To access the sash cords, you'll need to remove the strip that separates the sash.

It's important that you examine the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're different it can be difficult to put the new one in its place and impact how the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing tabs in the correct locations on your new window.

You'll have to examine the frame of your window, too to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames are deteriorating, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiling in linseed. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.