When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work with care. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.
A quick fix for a broken window is to apply an aluminum cover over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering your home.
Cracked glass
Cracked glass can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact like soccer or a baseball or a stress like a sudden temperature change, it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning properly.
Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it is not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters and keep out the weather.
However, if the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's recommended to seek out an expert. An experienced glazier will be able to determine the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair method.
Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They typically occur when a sharp object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous when they break loose. The crack could affect the gas between the panes of the double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress crack, which can develop gradually as time passes because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually expand into full-blown break.
A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. It's usually a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of high or low air pressure, which could cause contraction or expansion of the glass.
If you're willing to go further than nail polish and tape, there are a few alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it has never had a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window or the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be time to replace your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture and can cause a number of problems within your home. They can decrease the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the home.
If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame it's best to get a professional to help you to fix the problem immediately. Leaking windows are among the most common causes of structural damage and mold and should not be left untreated.
In many instances, a single layer of caulking is enough to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first however, and then remove any old caulking before applying new caulking.
Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater, but they can also become blocked in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned windows and the frame made of metal. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. Over time, the seal can be worn out and allow water to enter your home.
Another sign of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated by water. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing 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 of tempered glass were available. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.
Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying elements.
Clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Remove window repairs Hackney or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. Once you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Let the paint completely dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If you're experiencing an even more serious issue like cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these instances, you'll need to look for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.
Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows consist of a glass pane, with a set of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows aren't as energy-efficient as traditional ones.
If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps in aluminum for around $20. They're much easier to install than an alternative window sash and come with the same function as a genuine muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time to get assistance. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a broken window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and working.
The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. 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 then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to carefully remove the parting strips that separate the sash.
After you've removed the sash, it's important to take the time to examine its metal tabs against the tabs on the new sash. If they are different it may be difficult to insert the new sash in its proper slot and will affect how well the sash performs. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine your window frame for any problems or rot. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. If you spot any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing.
If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you can restore your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.
