5 Repair Window Lessons Learned From Professionals When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's important to work with care. The first step is to wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from cutting you as you work.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy fix for a cracked window. This will prevent rain, snow and insects out of your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked not only makes your home look less appealing, but it can also allow drafts and other elements to enter the home. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, like a sudden change in temperature it is crucial to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window, even if it's not damaged. It's an easy and affordable solution that can provide protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris, as well as keeping out the elements.

If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become large, it is recommended to consult with a professional. A skilled glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.

A crack caused by an impact is the most common kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be quite risky if they break 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 another kind of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks.

A more serious but doable crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by low or high pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to do it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in 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 notice a damp spot under your window or that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it might be time to repair your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions, which can lead to numerous issues in your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they could cause structural damage to the house.

If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to get an expert to assist you to fix the problem right away. Don't put off leaking windows. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.

In many instances, a single layer of caulking is enough to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first, but you must also remove any old caulking before applying a new layer.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris as time passes.

Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the frame. This helps to keep a barrier of gas between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal will wear out and allow water into your home.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated with moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. 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.

window repair near me & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in classic multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying components.

Clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Then, take off any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife trim the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame with 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 dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.

If you have a more severe problem, such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in middle of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these cases it's crucial to find the right replacement window that matches the design and size of the present one.

Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with a series of muntins that are glued to the surface which gives them a split look. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, you should consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps made of aluminum for around $20. They're much easier to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same functions as an authentic mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time for some help. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, it is recommended to replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed the sash cords. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and is possible in most double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash and then pull it toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the strip of separation that divides the sash from the other to allow access to the location where the sash cords are.

It is crucial to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're different, it will be difficult to place the new sash into its correct slot and could impact how the sash performs. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in the correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your window for damage or rot. It's a good idea check it regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as soon as possible to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are deteriorating, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling in linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements, too.