When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows are in need of repair, you must be careful when working. The first step is to put on a pair safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from slicing you while you work.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is an easy fix for a cracked window. This will keep insects, snow and rain from getting into the home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that has cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, like a baseball or soccer or a stress like a sudden temperature change, but it is crucial to get them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.
Use clear tape to cover your damaged window, even if it's not broken. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and also keep out the elements.
If the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's recommended to seek out a professional. A skilled glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They typically occur when a solid object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous if they become loose. The crack could compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane windows and lower its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly as time passes due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A more serious, but feasible crack is the pressure crack. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be the result of low or high air pressure, which can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass If you're willing to go further than 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 option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window appear like it never had cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it could be time to consider a window repair project. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mildew and mold, which can create a range of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.
It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or leaking from the outside. Leaking windows are among the most common causes of structural and mold damage So don't leave them untreated.
In many instances, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater but can become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help maintain a seal between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. The seal could wear down over time,, and let water get into the home.
Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated by water. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in classic multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting elements.
Clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Then, take off any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to completely dry before removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find a replacement window that matches the style and size of the current one.
If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows consist of a full glass pane, with a set of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.
Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps in aluminum for around $20. They're much simpler to install than windowsash replacements and will provide you with the same functions as a genuine muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash must be a signal that you should call for help. If not taken care of the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a broken sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.
The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. Press upwards on the other side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to pull it out. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that separates the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords are.
After you've removed your sash, you must take the time to compare its metal tabs to the ones on the new sash. If they're not the same, it will be hard to insert the new one into its slot and impact how the sash operates. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your windows for damage or rot. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. If you find any obvious damage, it should be fixed as quickly as you can to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.
If your window frames have deteriorated and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements as well.