5 Repair Window Lessons From The Professionals

When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when you are repairing windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a simple solution for a window that has cracked. This will prevent snow, rain, and insects from entering your home.

Cracked glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact like a baseball or soccer, or stress, like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is essential to have them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working properly.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it is not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from water, dust bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the weather.

If the crack is becoming larger or is getting more deep, it is advised to consult with an expert. A skilled glazier can identify the root of the problem and recommend an appropriate repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They typically occur when a solid object hits your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have 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 and affect the efficiency of your window's energy use.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. It is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by high or low pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to make it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it could be time to start a windows repair project. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions which can cause numerous issues in your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the house.

If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame it's best to seek out a professional to assist with the repairs immediately. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is enough to stop the leaks. It is important to clean the area, however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying a new layer.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris as time passes.

Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down with time and allow water to leak into the house.

Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of a leak. They occur when the drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint caused by the effects of the water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling it away 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. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. They're mainly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting components.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that will not leave residue. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular attention to areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat.

If the problem is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, repair windows it's better to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with the style and size of the present one.

If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window repair. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with muntins that are attached to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at the majority of home centers for around $20. They are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to get assistance. A broken sash, if left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a broken window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. Push up on the side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to pull it out. You'll want to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords are.

After you've removed the sash, you must take the time to compare its metal tabs to the tabs on your new sash. If they're different, it will be hard to put the new one into its slot and impact how the sash operates. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs at their proper places on the new window.

You'll have to examine your window frame, too to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's recommended to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. If you spot any obvious damage, it should be fixed as quickly as you can, to avoid a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames have deteriorated they can be treated with a homemade preserver created of half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.