When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when fixing your windows. First, put on a pair safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window. This will keep rain, snow and insects from entering your home.
Glass that has cracked
Broken windows not only makes your home less attractive however, it could let drafts and other elements into the home. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, for example a sudden change in temperature it is crucial to have them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and keep your windows operating properly.
Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it's not damaged. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from dust, water, bugs and other debris. It also shields your windows from the weather.
If the crack is becoming larger or is getting more deep, it is advised to seek advice from a professional. A skilled glazier can identify the root cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair procedure.
A crack caused by an impact is the most popular type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of the double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and can progress to full-blown cracks.
A pressure crack is a more severe crack, but it can still be fixed. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be the result of high or low air pressure, which can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.
If you're ready to take a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are several other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide more protection and durability for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window appear like it never had cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you see a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it could be time to start a windows repair. The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the home.
It's best to call an expert if water is visible or leaking from the outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have to clean the area and take off any caulking that is in place.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. They are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could be clogged by insect corpses and other debris over time.
Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. As time passes the seal may get worn out and let water into your home.
Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall turns discolored when it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are known in the UK), separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of glass that were tempered 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 it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.
First, clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Now, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying special focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.
If you have a more severe problem such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in center of the window, it's likely to be better to replace the sash. In window repairs , it's important to find the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the existing one.
If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with the muntins being glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however.
Installing a drip-cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. The majority of home centers sell aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same function as a real mullion or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time to seek some help. If it's not checked, a damaged sash could cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've broken a sill, you must 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. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and can be done in all double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off the metal tabs holding the sash. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to take it off. It is important to remove the parting strip that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the area where the sash cords are.
Once you've removed the sash, you must make sure you compare its metal tabs to those of your new sash. If they're not the same it can be difficult to put the new one in its slot and could affect the way it functions. Fortunately, this can be easily corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect your window frame for any problems or rot. It's recommended to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. You should fix 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 using half mineral spirits and half boiled linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can restore your frames using a high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will protect your window from the elements, too.