When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is important to be cautious when you are repairing windows. First, you should wear a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to stop glass shards from cutting you as you work.
Placing a plastic cover over the crack is an easy fix for a cracked window. This will stop snow, rain and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Broken windows not only make your home less attractive, but it can let drafts and other elements into the house. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are a result of stress, like an abrupt change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning correctly.
Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it's not broken. It's a cheap and simple solution that can provide protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and also keep out the weather.
However, if the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, you should consult an expert. A professional glazier can identify the root of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure.
A crack caused by an impact is the most popular kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they come loose. The crack could compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops because of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A more serious but doable crack is a pressure crack. It is a curvy curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by high or low pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it never had a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. Excessive moisture creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can reduce the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.
It is best to call a professional if the water is visible or comes from outside. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.
In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, it's necessary clean the area and get rid of any caulking that is in place.
You'll also need to check 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.
If windows have double panes You'll also have to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down with time and let water leak into the house.
Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture that weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint, which is a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are referred to in the UK), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative feature in a few older homes.
window repairs of the time 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 and decaying parts.
First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that does not leave traces. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife 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 with painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the issue is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.
Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows are constructed of a glass pane, with a set of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however.
If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, think about installing an additional drip cap to stop 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 much easier to install than a replacement window sash and come with the same functions as a genuine muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a sign that you should seek help. A damaged sash, left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot, and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a broken sash you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and working.
Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly hung sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. Press upwards on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to remove it. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.
Once you've removed the sash, you must take the time to examine its metal tabs against those of the new sash. If they are different it may be difficult to put the new sash into its proper place and could affect the way that the sash operates. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in the correct positions on your new window.
You'll need to inspect your window frame, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's recommended to check it regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. If you spot any obvious damage, it should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent an even bigger issue from arising.
If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative created using half mineral spirits and half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements too.