When It’s Time to Repair Windows
If your windows are in need of repair, it’s important to work carefully. First, you should wear a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to prevent glass shards from slicing you while you work.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a quick fix for a damaged window. This will keep rain, snow and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked glass can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to get in. It doesn’t matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, like soccer or a baseball or a stress like an abrupt temperature change, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to ensure that your windows are functioning effectively.
If your window is cracked but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to it. It’s a cheap and simple solution that can provide protection from water, cheaper dust, bugs and other debris and also keep out the weather.
If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is extensive, it is best to seek advice from a professional. An experienced glazier can identify the root cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair method.
An impact crack is the most popular type of window break typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your windows.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A pressure crack is a more severe crack, but it can still be fixed. This is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by high or low pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass when you’re willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you’d prefer to make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it could be time for a windows repair. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mildew and mold, which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can worsen allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it’s best to get a professional to assist to fix the problem immediately. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.
In many instances, a single caulking layer is all that’s needed to stop the leaks. Before applying the caulking, it’s necessary clean the area and get rid of any existing caulking.
You’ll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to make sure they’re not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater but can become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
If you have double-paned windows it is also necessary to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This creates a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down over time,, and let water enter the home.
The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of leaks. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. There may also be peeling paint caused by the effects of water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. They’re mostly used as decorative elements in some older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to the support of a single piece or small group, leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying components.
First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that will not leave residue. Then, take off any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter’s masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Then, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat.
If the problem is more serious like an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it’s recommended to replace the sash. In such cases, you’ll need to look for a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both the design and size.
Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows feature a complete pane of glass, with the muntins being that are glued to the surface which gives them a split look. They’re not as efficient as traditional windows, however.
If you’re looking for a simple way to update your windows, cheaper consider installing a new drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same function as a genuine mullion, or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it’s time to seek some help. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.
Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly installed cords for sash. Fortunately, replacing them is fairly easy and is possible in all double-hung windows. To begin, you’ll need dislodge the metal tabs that secure the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it doesn’t matter which) of the sash then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. It is important to remove the parting strip that separates the sash from the other so you can access the location where the sash cords reside.
It is crucial to examine the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they’re not the same, it will be difficult to insert the new sash in its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you’ll also need to check the frame of your window for problems or decay. It’s recommended to do this regularly as the wood shrinks and gets worn down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a more serious issue.
If your window repair frames have begun to deteriorate and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements as well.