When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when repairing your windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy fix for a damaged window. This will stop rain, snow and insects from getting into the home.
Cracked glass
Glass that has cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to enter. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, such as a sudden change in temperature, it's important to get them repaired as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are working effectively.
If your window is damaged but not broken, a quick fix is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from dust, water bugs and other particles and also keep out the weather.
If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is large, it is recommended to seek advice from an expert. An experienced glazier can determine the root cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair method.
A crack caused by an impact is the most frequent type of window break usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous if they become 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 kind of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near 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 a 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 glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY method epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window look like it did not have cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. In excess moisture, it creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the house.
If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to contact a professional to help you with the repairs right away. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of mold and structural damage and should not be left untreated.
In many cases, a simple caulking layer is enough to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll need clean the area and take off any caulking that is in place.
Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater, but they could become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned windows and the frame made of metal. This creates a gas barrier between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down with time and allow water to leak into the house.
Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of leaks. The drywall becomes discolored when it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in traditional multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. window repairs , they're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components.
First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaners that will not leave residue. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying close focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat.
If you're experiencing an even more serious issue such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in middle of the window, then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the existing window in both style and size.
Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows are constructed of a full glass pane with a series muntins that are glued on the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.
If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functionality as a genuine muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time for assistance. If left unchecked the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.
The problem is often caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing these is relatively simple and can be done in all double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that hold the sash in place. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash and then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To reach the cords for the sash, you'll have to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash.
It's important that you compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're different, it can be difficult to put the new sash in its proper place and could impact how the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing tabs in their proper locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also have to examine the frame of your window for problems or decay. It's recommended to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a bigger issue.
If your window frames are in bad condition you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.