Ten Things Everybody Is Uncertain About Repair Window When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, you must be careful when working. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.

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

Glass that has cracked

Cracked window glass not only make your home appear less appealing however, it could let drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, like soccer or a baseball or a stress like an abrupt temperature change, but it is crucial to get them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and keep your windows working properly.


If your window is cracked, but not broken, a quick solution is to apply clear tape to it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters and keep out the elements.

If the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, you should seek out an expert. An experienced glazier can identify the cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair method.

A crack caused by an impact is the most common type of window break usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks typically have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous in the event that they become loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your window's energy use.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edge of your window, and can eventually grow into complete breaks.

A more serious but feasible 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 can be caused by low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.

If you're looking to take a step beyond nail polish and tape there are alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to DIY epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at all.

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. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to numerous issues in your home. They can reduce the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they could cause structural damage to the home.

If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame it's best to seek out an expert to assist you with the repairs immediately. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of mold and structural damage 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 a new layer.

You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time with insect corpses or other debris.

Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned windows and the frame. This creates a gas barrier between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away over time, however, and let water leak into the house.

Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of a leak. These are caused when the drywall is saturated with moisture, which weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling window repair is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it 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 the larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mostly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Often, a single or small group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting components.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that will not leave residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Then, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying special attention to the areas that were lightly coated on the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.

If the problem is more serious like an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these instances it's crucial to find an alternative window that is in line with the style and size of the existing one.

Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows consist of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

Installing a drip cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They're much simpler to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you 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 to seek assistance. A damaged sash, ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung the sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and is possible in the majority of double-hung windows. First, you'll need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. Push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to pull it out. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.

It is important to check the metal tabs on the old sash to those of the new one. If they are different it may be difficult to place the new sash in its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash operates. Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect the frame of your window for damage or decay. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood shrinks and wears down over time. You should fix any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated using a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.