What Repair Window Experts Want You To Know When It's Time to Repair Windows


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

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window. This will keep rain, snow and insects out of your home.

Cracked Glass

Broken windows not only make your home appear less appealing but also allow drafts and other elements to enter the house. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer or a stress like an abrupt temperature change, but it is essential to have them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working correctly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it is not damaged. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to shield your window from water, dust bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the weather.

However, if the crack is extensive or is getting worse, you should consult an expert. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

An impact crack is the most common type of window break usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous in the event that they become loose. The crack could affect the gas in the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress crack which can develop gradually over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. These cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

A more serious but doable crack is one that is a pressure crack. 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 that can 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 to go further than tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to do it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you see a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or decaying, it might be time to start a windows repair. In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mildew and mold, which can create a range of problems for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and even worsen 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 best to get an expert to assist you with the repairs right away. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They're a major cause of structural damage and mold.

In many instances the use of caulking is to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first though, and get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer.

Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater but can become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

If windows have double panes, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and allow water to leak into the house.

Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of leaks. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated by water. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in the classic multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're used only as a decorative element in some older homes.

Wind or rain can damage a single support or a small portion of them, resulting in an opening in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle and decaying parts.

Clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off 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 before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the problem is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these cases, you'll need to look for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both style and size.

Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows come with a complete pane of glass with a series of muntins glued to the surface which gives them a split look. They are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.

Installing a drip-cap will stop water from entering the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at the majority of home centers for around $20. They're a lot easier to install than windowsash replacements, and they'll provide you with the same function as a genuine muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is 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 problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.

The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to take off the metal tabs holding the sash. 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. To access the sash cords, you'll need to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash.

It is crucial to check the metal tabs on the old sash with the new one. If they are different it may be difficult to insert the new sash into its proper slot and will affect how well the sash operates. Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.

You'll need to check your window frame as well, for any damage or decay. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. window repairs should fix any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created from half mineral spirits and boiling in linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements as well.