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 cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to prevent glass shards from slicing you while you work.
A quick fix for a window that is broken is to place a plastic cover over the crack. This will stop insects, snow and rain from entering your home.
Glass that has cracked
Broken windows not only make your home appear less appealing however, it could also allow drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or a baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature change, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working effectively.
Use window repairs near me to cover the cracks in your window if it is not broken. It's a cheap and simple solution that will provide some protection from dust, water bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the elements.
However, if the crack is large or is getting worse, you should consult an expert. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair method.
Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They usually occur when a sharp object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous if they become loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your window's energy use.
Another type of crack is a stress crack which can develop gradually over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks.
A pressure crack is a much more serious crack but it is still able to be repaired. This is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by high or low pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you prefer to DIY, 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 at all.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window or the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture which can cause a number of problems within your home. They can reduce the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your house.
If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame it's best to seek out an expert to assist you with the repairs immediately. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of structural and mold damage So don't leave them untreated.
In many instances, a single layer of caulking is all you need to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area, though, and remove any old caulking before applying the new layer.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time with insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, and let water leak into the house.
Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture that weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're used only as a decorative feature in some older homes.
Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.
First, clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Let the paint completely dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If you have an even more serious issue, such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in middle of the window it's likely to be better to replace the sash. In such cases, you'll need to look for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.
If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are constructed of a glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
Installing a drip cap can stop water from entering the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functions as a genuine mullion, or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a sign that you should contact a professional. A damaged sash, ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, it is recommended to replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly installed sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that secure the sash. Press upwards on the side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to take it off. You'll need to remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords reside.
It's important that you examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different, it will be hard to place the new one in its slot and could affect the way it functions. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your window for damage or rot. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood shrinks and wears down over time. If you notice any obvious damage, it should be fixed as quickly as you can, to avoid the development of a larger issue.
If your window frames are deteriorating they can be treated with a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.