When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a quick fix for a damaged window. This will stop insects, snow, and rain from entering the home.

Glass that has cracked

Glass that has cracked can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact, like soccer or a baseball or a stress like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and keep your windows working effectively.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it's not damaged. It's an easy and affordable solution that will provide some protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris and also keep out the elements.

However, if the crack is large or is getting worse, it's best to consult a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They usually occur when a solid object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. The cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. The crack could affect the gas in the panes of your double glazed windows repair-pane windows and lower its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and eventually can develop into complete breaks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack however it can be fixed. It's usually a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window. It can be the result of low or high air pressure, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're ready to take a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are several other products available for repairing cracks in your window repairing glass. Glass Repair Window Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to 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 under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it could be time to start a windows repair. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture and can cause numerous issues in your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the house.

If the water is coming from outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to contact a professional to help you to fix the problem immediately. Don't put off leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is enough to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, it's necessary clean the area and take off any existing caulking.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.

Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This creates a gas barrier between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal will wear out and allow water into your home.

Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of leaks. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in classic multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these rotting or brittle parts.

Clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the problem is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these cases it is essential to locate a replacement window that matches the style and size of the existing one.

For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window repairman. These windows are constructed of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

Installing a drip-cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps made of aluminum for around $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same function as a real mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a signal that you need to call for help. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.

The problem is often caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing these is relatively simple and can be done in the majority of double glaze window repair-hung windows. To begin, you'll need dislodge the metal tabs that keep the sash in place. Push up on the side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to take it off. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

It's important that you examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different, it will be hard to put the new one into its slot and could affect the way it operates. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in their proper locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also have to examine the frame of your windows for damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood shrinks and wears down over time. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.