When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's essential to be careful when working. The first step is to put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from cutting you as you work.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a quick solution for a window that has cracked. This will stop insects, snow, and rain from entering the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or baseball or stress, such as a sudden temperature change, it is essential to have them repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows working properly.

If your window Doctor is cracked, but not broken, a quick fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters, as well as keeping out the elements.

If the crack is becoming larger or is getting more large, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional. An experienced glazier will be able to determine the root cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair procedure.

A crack caused by an impact is the most common type of window break usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually display an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack, that develops slowly over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack, but it can still be repaired. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be the result of high or low air pressure, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY route epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window look like it did not have a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice 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. Excessive moisture creates a breeding ground for window doctor mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and even worsen allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

If the water is coming in from the outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to seek out an expert to assist you with the upvc repairs near me right away. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural and mold damage, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, it's necessary clean the area and remove any caulking you have already applied.

Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes.

Examine the seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This helps to keep a gas barrier between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and let water enter the home.

Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is soaked with water. There is also the possibility of peeling paint caused by the effects of water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past muntins (or glazing bars as they are called in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Often, a single or small group of these wooden supports could get damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting elements.

First, clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave any residue. Remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to areas which were lightly coated on the first coat. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.

If you're experiencing an issue that is more serious such as a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window it's likely to be best to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find a replacement window that matches the style and size of the existing one.

Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows come with a complete pane of glass that is topped with a series of muntins glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance. These windows are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

If you're looking for a simple method to upgrade your windows, consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Most home centers 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 functions as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to seek some help. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the problem is caused by worn or poorly installed sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. Press upwards on the side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to pull it out. To access the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove the strip that separates the sash.

After you've removed the sash, you must make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to the ones on the new sash. If they are different it will be difficult to place the new sash in its proper slot and will affect how well the sash performs. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your window for damage or rot. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as soon as you can, to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will protect your window from the elements too.