When It's Time to Repair Windows It is important to be cautious when you are repairing windows. First, put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from cutting you as you work. Applying a plastic covering over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. This will keep insects, snow and rain from entering the home. Cracked Glass Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, like a baseball or soccer, or stress, like the sudden temperature drop, but it is essential to have them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and keep your windows working effectively. If your window is cracked but not broken, a simple fix is to apply clear tape to it. It's a cheap and simple solution that can provide protection from water, dust bugs and other particles and also keep out the elements. If the crack is becoming bigger or is large, it is recommended to seek advice from an expert. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure. An impact crack is the most popular kind of window break, typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous if they become loose. The crack could compromise the gas in the panes of the double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency. Another type of crack is a stress crack which develops gradually as time passes, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks. A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. It is typically a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of high or low air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion 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 provide a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window look like it did not have cracks at all! Leaking Windows If you notice a damp area under your window or the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. The excess moisture can create 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 even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the house. It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or leaking from the outside. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of mold and structural damage So don't leave them untreated. In many instances, a single layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop the leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first, though, and get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer. You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked in time due to insect corpses or other debris. If windows have double panes it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This creates the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. As window repairs , the seal can get worn out and let water into your home. Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These occur when wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. There may also be peeling paint caused by the effects of the water weakening 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 were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. They're mostly used as a decorative element in some older homes. Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting parts. Clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave a residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close attention to the areas that were lightly coated on the first go. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat. If you're experiencing a more severe problem like cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In such cases you'll have to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both the design and size. To save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows consist of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however. If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, consider installing a new drip cap in order to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same functions as a genuine mullion, or muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A damaged window sash must be a signal that you should call for help. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, replace it immediately to ensure that the window is sealed. Often, the problem is caused by worn out or improperly hung the sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is relatively simple and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that secure the sash. Then, push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to remove it. It is important to remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords are. After you've removed your sash, make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of the new sash. If they're different it's difficult to put the new one in its slot and impact how the sash functions. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at the correct locations on your new window. In addition to the sashes, you'll also have to examine the frame of your window for damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down over time. You should fix any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a larger problem. If your window frames have deteriorated and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.
window repairs
