When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, you must be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.

A quick fix for a broken window is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep snow, rain and insects from getting into your home.

Cracked Glass

Broken windows not only makes your home appear less appealing however, it could let drafts and other elements to enter the house. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball, or stress, like the sudden temperature change, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows working effectively.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window, even if it's not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris and also keep out the elements.

If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become deep, it is advised to consult with a professional. A professional glazier can determine the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

An impact crack is the most common type of window break typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. This crack can compromise the gas that is between the panes of the double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious but doable crack is a pressure crack. 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 could cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY method 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 a damp spot under your window repair, or notice that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it might be time to start a windows repair. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture and can cause a number of problems within your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can even increase the severity of allergies. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame, it's a good idea to contact a professional to help you to fix the problem right away. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They're a major cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area, however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris over time.

If windows are double-paned You'll also have to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and allow water to enter the home.

The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of the presence of a leak. The drywall becomes discolored when it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing 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 tempered glass were available. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to one support or a small portion of them, resulting in a crack in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting elements.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying close attention to the areas that were lightly coated on the first pass. Allow the paint to fully dry before removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you have an issue that is more serious like cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances, you'll need to look for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of style and size.

If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows consist of a glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows.

Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps made of aluminum for around $20. They're much easier to install than windowsash replacements and will provide you with the same function as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a sign that you need to call for help. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a broken window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.

Often, the problem is caused by worn out or improperly installed the sash cords. It's easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. To do this push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash then pull it toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll need to remove the strip that divides the sash from the other so you can access the location where the sash cords reside.

Once you've removed the sash, be sure to examine its metal tabs against the tabs on the new sash. If they are different it can be difficult to put the new sash into its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs at their proper positions on your new Window Repair - Peatix.Com -.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect your window frame for any damage or rot. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, window repair particularly after exposure to the elements. If you notice any obvious damage, it should be fixed as quickly as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated with a homemade preserver created with half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window against the elements.