When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when you are repairing windows. First, you should put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from cutting you as you work.
A quick fix for a broken window is to place a plastic covering over the crack. This will stop insects, snow and rain from entering your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked not only makes your home look less appealing but let drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact like soccer or baseball, or stress, like an abrupt temperature change, it is crucial to get them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid 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 will provide some protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters and also keep out the weather.
If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become large, it is recommended to consult with a professional. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair method.
An impact crack is the most common type of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks typically have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous when they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas in the panes of the double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can progress to full-blown cracks.
A more serious but still doable crack is a pressure crack. This is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by high or low pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
If you're ready to take further than tape and nail polish, there are a few other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window appear like it did not have cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture which can cause various issues within your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the home.
If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame, it's a good idea to get a professional to help you repair the issue immediately. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of mold and structural damage and should not be left untreated.
In many instances, a single layer of caulking is all you need to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need clean the area and get rid of any caulking you have already applied.
Examine the weepholes on the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time with insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned windows and the frame. This will help maintain a seal between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. The seal can wear down with time and let water leak into the house.
The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of the presence of a leak. 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 pulling it from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying components.
First, clean the affected areas with a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Then, take off any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply window repair near me of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.
If the issue is more severe like an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances it's crucial to find an alternative window that is in line with the style and size of the current one.
Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows have a full pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are that are glued to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
Installing a drip cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same function as a genuine mullion or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to seek assistance. If not taken care of, a broken sash can cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull it toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.
After you've removed the sash, you must be sure to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're different, it will be difficult to insert the new sash into its proper slot and will affect the way that the sash performs. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing tabs in the correct places on your new window.
You'll have to examine your window frame as well to look for any signs of damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down over time. If you notice any visible damage it should be fixed as quickly as you can to avoid the development of a larger issue.
If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can then restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.