When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when fixing 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 cracked window. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to enter. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are operating effectively.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it's not broken. This is a quick, low-cost solution to protect your window from dust, water, bugs and other sand. It also helps keep out the elements.
However, if the crack is large or is getting worse, it's best to seek out an expert. A professional glazier can determine the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They usually occur when a hard object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually display an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect your window's energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops because of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A pressure crack is a much more serious crack but it is still able to be fixed. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be the 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 if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. window repair as 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 rather DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood surrounding it is soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can worsen allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your house.
It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or leaking from outside. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural damage and mold and should not be left untreated.
In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and take off any caulking you have already applied.
Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time.
Examine the seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This helps to keep a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away over time, however, and let water enter the home.
The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indication of the presence of a leak. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated by water. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering 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 referred to in the UK) separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII, they fell out of fashion. Today, they're only utilized as a decorative element in a few older homes.
The effects of rain or wind can harm a single support or a small group, leaving an opening in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting elements.
First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaners that will not leave residue. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After 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 initial pass. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.
If the issue is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances, you'll need to look for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.
Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows feature a complete pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are that are glued to the surface creating a divided look. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows.
If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, think about installing a new drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps in aluminum for about $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same function as a genuine mullion or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time for assistance. If it's not checked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, it is recommended to replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
Often, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly hung sash cords. It's easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Then, push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to pull it out. To get access to the sash cords, you'll need to remove the strip that separates 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 can be difficult to place the new sash in its proper slot and will affect the way that the sash performs. Fortunately, this can be easily corrected by simply placing tabs in their proper locations on your new window.
You'll need to check your window frame, too, for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a more serious issue.
If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can then restore your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can help to protect your window from the elements too.