Five Repair Window Lessons From The Professionals

When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to work carefully. First, you should wear a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a quick solution for a window that has cracked. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from entering the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked not only makes your home less attractive however, it could let drafts and other elements into the house. The cracks could be caused by an collision (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, for example a sudden change in temperature or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are functioning effectively.

If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy solution is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a cheap and simple solution that can provide protection from water, dust bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the weather.

If the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, you should consult an expert. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They usually occur when a sharp object strikes your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact your window's energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious but still possible crack is one that is a pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window and can be the result of low or high air pressure, which can 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. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY method epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your local window repair appear like it did not have a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you see a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it could be time to consider a window repair project. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the home.

It is best to call a professional if the water is visible or comes from the 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. It is important to clean the area first, blown however, and then take off any caulking that is old before applying new caulking.

It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they could become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the frame. This will ensure a barrier between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, and let water get into the home.

Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indicator of a leak. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing it away 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 the classic multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass with tempered were made available. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.

Wind or rain can damage the support of a single piece or small group, leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that will not leave residue. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat.

If you're dealing with an even more serious issue, such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in middle of the window it's best to replace the sash. In these situations it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the current one.

Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows have a full pane of glass with a series of muntins attached to the surface creating a divided look. 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. Most home centers sell these aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same function as a genuine mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a signal that you must contact a professional. A broken sash, if left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and working.

Often, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed cords for sash. It's easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash, and then pull it toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. It is important to remove the strip that is what separates the sash from other so you can access the location where the sash cords reside.

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 one into its slot and affect how the sash functions. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in their proper places on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your windows for problems 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. You should repair any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created with half mineral spirits and half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you are able to refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can protect your window from the elements, as well.