When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows are in need of repair, you must work carefully. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window. This will prevent rain, snow and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, such as an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them repaired as soon as you can to avoid further damage and keep your windows working correctly.
Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it's not damaged. It's a cheap and simple solution that provides protection from water, dust bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the weather.
If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is extensive, it is best to speak with a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair method.
An impact crack is the most frequent type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. Repair My Windows And Doors could affect the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane windows and decrease its energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress crack, that develops slowly as time passes, due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and eventually can develop into complete breaks.
A more serious, but doable crack is a pressure crack. It is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.
If you're looking to take a step beyond nail polish and tape there are several 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 rather take the DIY method epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window appear like it 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 start a windows repair project. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions which can cause various issues within your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen symptoms of allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the home.
If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to contact a professional to help you to fix the problem immediately. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.
In many instances, a single layer of caulking is all you need to stop the leaks. Before applying the new caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and remove any existing caulking.
You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time.
Examine the seal between the double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help to maintain a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal will get worn out and let water into your home.
Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK) separated and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. Today, they're mainly utilized as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to a single support or a small portion of them, resulting in a crack in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle parts.
First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that will not leave residue. 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 portion of the window frame. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If you have an even more serious issue like a crack that forms an hourglass shape in middle of the window then it's probably better to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both style and size.
Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows are constructed of a complete glass pane with a series muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
Installing a drip-cap will stop water from entering the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps made of aluminum for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a real mullion or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash should be a signal that you need to contact a professional. 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 have a broken 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 poorly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need dislodge the metal tabs that keep the sash in place. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to remove it. To access the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.
It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different, it will be hard to insert the new one into its slot and could affect the way it operates. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing tabs in their proper locations on your new window.
You'll have to examine your window frame, too, for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. You should repair any visible damage as fast as you can, to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative created with half mineral spirits and half boiled linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can then restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements, too.