It's The One Repair Window Trick Every Person Should Be Aware Of When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when repairing your windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. This will prevent insects, snow and rain from entering the home.

Cracked glass

Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact like a baseball or soccer, or stress, like an abrupt temperature change, it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows working correctly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it's not damaged. It's a cheap and simple solution that will provide some protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and also keep out the elements.


However, if the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's best to seek out a professional. An experienced glazier can determine the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair method.

A crack caused by an impact is the most common kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect your window's energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack but it is still able to be fixed. It's usually a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could be a result of high or low air pressure, which can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window appear like it has never had cracks in the first place!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window or the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions, which can lead to numerous issues in your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can even worsen allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the house.

It is best to call an expert if water is visible or comes from the outside. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of mold and structural damage, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop the leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and take off any existing caulking.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater but can become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

If windows are double-paned it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This helps to keep a barrier of gas between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. As time passes, the seal can be worn out and allow water into your home.

The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indicator of the presence of a leak. These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. There may also be peeling paint as a result of water weakening 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 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 mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Often, a single or small 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 parts.

Clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply window repair of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.

If you have a more severe problem, such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in the center of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these instances you'll need to search for a replacement that matches the existing window in both the design and size.

To save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows are constructed of a full glass pane, with a set of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same function as a genuine mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a sign that you should call for help. If it's not checked the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues 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 functioning.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed cords for sash. Luckily, replacing these is quite simple and is possible in most double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to take off the tabs 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 opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To get access to the sash cords, you'll need to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.

After you've removed your sash, take the time to examine its metal tabs against the ones on the new sash. If they're different, it will be hard to insert the new one in its slot and affect how the sash operates. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your window for problems or rot. It's a good idea do this regularly as wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you find any visible damage, it must be addressed as soon as you can to avoid a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll have to treat them using a homemade preserver made using half mineral spirits and half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can then re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.