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When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's essential to be careful when working. First, put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent shards of glass from cutting you during your work.

An easy fix for a window that is broken is to put a plastic covering over the crack. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home.

Glass that has cracked

Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and let drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, such as soccer or a baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning properly.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window, even if it's not broken. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from dust, water, bugs and other sand. It also helps keep out the weather.

If the crack is becoming larger or has become deep, it is advised to speak with an expert. A professional glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous in the event that they become loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your windows.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops because of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually expand into full-blown break.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack but it is still able to be fixed. It is typically a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be the result of high or low air pressure, which can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness under your window, or notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it could be time to consider a window repair project. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions and can cause various issues within your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and 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 an expert to assist you to fix the problem right away. Don't put off leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.

In many instances, a single caulking layer is all that's needed to stop the leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and remove any caulking you have already applied.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater but can become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris.

Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the frame. This helps to keep the gas from escaping between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal will be worn out and allow water to enter your home.

Water stains on ceiling and walls are another sign of leaks. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. You might also find peeling paint caused by the effects of water destroying its adhesive properties and tearing 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. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. Today, they're mainly utilized as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Often, 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 double glazing windows the majority of these decaying or brittle components.

First, clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first pass. Allow the paint to fully dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these cases it's crucial to find a replacement window that matches the design and size of the existing one.

Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows consist of a glass pane that has a series of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at the majority of home centers for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functions as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you must call for help. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've broken a sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and can be done in most double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that keep the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. You'll need to remove the strip that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords reside.

After you've removed the sash, you must take the time to compare its metal tabs to those of the new sash. If they're different, it may be difficult to insert the new sash into its proper place and could impact how the sash operates. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing the tabs in their correct positions on the new window.

You'll have to examine the frame of your window, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's recommended to do this regularly as the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as soon as you can, to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are deteriorating, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiled linseed. After the treatment has dried for Repair Windows a total of two days, you can then finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.