7 Tricks To Help Make The Most Of Your Repair Window When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when fixing your windows. First, put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from cutting you as you work.

An easy fix for a window that is broken is to place a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent snow, rain and insects from getting into your home.

Cracked Glass

Broken windows not only makes your home less attractive but also let drafts and other elements to enter the house. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact like soccer or baseball or a stress like a sudden temperature change, but it is crucial to get them fixed as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning correctly.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not damaged. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs and other sand. It also helps keep out the elements.

However, if the crack is extensive or is getting worse, it's best to seek out a professional. A professional glazier can determine the root of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common type of window break, typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window and can progress to full-blown cracks.

A more serious but doable crack is the pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that extends 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 windows If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY method, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window look like it never had cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or decaying, it might be time to start a windows repair project. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture which can cause numerous issues in your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.


If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame it's a good idea to seek out a professional to help you to fix the problem right away. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural damage and mold and should not be left untreated.

In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first however, and then take off any caulking that is old before applying new caulking.

You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they could become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris.

Check window repairs near me between your double-paned windows and the metal frame. This creates a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. As time passes, the seal can get worn out and let water into your home.

Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint as a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are referred to in the UK) separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mostly used as decorative elements in some older homes.

Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports could get damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that will not leave residue. Then, take off any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower part 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 a second coat.

If the issue is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In such cases 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 full glass pane that has a series of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at the majority of home centers for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functions as a real mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to seek assistance. If not taken care of, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a broken sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.

The problem is often caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. Fortunately, replacing them is fairly easy and can be done in most double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. To do this push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash, and then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to remove the strip that separates the sash.

It is important to check the metal tabs on the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to insert the new sash in its proper place and could affect how well the sash performs. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at their proper positions on your new window.

You'll have to examine the frame of your window, too for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. If you spot any visible damage it should be fixed as quickly as you can to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.

If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can help to protect your window from the elements too.