When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when fixing your windows. The first step is to put on a pair safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from cutting you during your work.
A quick fix for a broken window is to place a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent snow, rain and insects from getting into your home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked glass can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact like a baseball or soccer, or stress, like the sudden temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning effectively.
If your window is cracked but not broken, a simple fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to shield your window from dust, water, bugs and other sand. It also helps keep out the elements.
However, if the crack is large or is getting worse, it's best to consult an expert. An experienced glazier can determine the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They typically occur when a sharp object strikes your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect your window's energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A pressure crack is a more serious crack but it is still able to be fixed. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be the result of high or low air pressure, which could cause contraction or expansion 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, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window appear like it never had a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp area under your window or that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be time to replace your windows. In excess moisture, it creates a breeding ground for mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can even increase the severity of allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
It's best to call a professional if the water is visible or coming from the outside. Don't put off leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first, but you must also get rid of any old caulking prior to applying a new layer.
It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned windows and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a gas barrier between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down with time and let water enter the home.
Another indication of leaks is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and causes discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint as a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are known in the UK), separated and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.
Wind or rain can damage one support or a small portion of them, resulting in cracks in the window. double glazing repair Ramsgate can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting parts.
Clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Then, take off any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. 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. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more severe like an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of style and size.
For a less expensive alternative you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are made of a glass pane that has a series of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.
Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same function as a genuine mullion, or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash should be a signal that you need to seek help. A damaged sash, ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is sealed.
Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly hung cords for sash. It's easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to take off tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash and then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.
After you've removed your sash, you must make sure you compare its metal tabs to those of the new sash. If they are different it can be difficult to put the new sash in its proper place and could affect the way that the sash functions. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs at the correct locations on your new window.
You'll have to examine your window frame as well for any damage or rot. It's recommended to do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as fast as you can, to avoid a bigger issue.
If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you are able to re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.
