When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, it's important to work carefully. First, wear a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to stop glass shards from cutting you during your work.
An easy solution to a damaged window is to place a plastic cover over the crack. This will stop insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home.
Glass that has cracked
Cracked window glass not only makes your home less attractive, but it can also let drafts and other elements to enter the home. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, such as a sudden change in temperature, it's important to get them repaired as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are operating properly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not broken. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs and other debris. It also keeps out the weather.
If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become extensive, it is best to consult with a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure.
An impact crack is the most common kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to break it. The cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and impact your window's energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. window repair begin near the edges of your window, and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. It is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It is 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 window glass If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to do it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks at all.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp area under your window or the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions, which can lead to various issues within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can worsen allergies. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or coming from the outside. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural damage and mold, so don't leave them untreated.
In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area, though, and take off any caulking that is old before applying the new layer.
It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater but can become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris.
Check the seal between your double-paned windows and the frame. This will help to maintain a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal will get worn out and let water into your home.
Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indication of the presence of a leak. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars as they are known in the UK), separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're used only as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Most of the time it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports can be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.
First, clean the affected areas with a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.
If you have a more severe problem, such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in the middle of the window it's likely to be recommended to replace the sash. In these cases it is essential to locate a replacement window that matches the style and size of the existing one.
Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows feature a complete pane of glass, with a series of muntins glued to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. These windows are not 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. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're a lot easier to install than windowsash replacements and will provide you with the same functionality as a genuine muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to get some help. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a broken sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and working.
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. To start, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull in toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. It is important to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash from the other to allow access to the area where the sash cords reside.
After you've removed your sash, you must make sure you compare its metal tabs to those of your new sash. If they're not the same, it will be hard to insert the new one in its place and affect how the sash functions. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs at their proper places on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check the frame of your windows for problems or rot. It's a good idea to check it regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, especially with exposure to the elements. If you notice any obvious damage, it should be addressed as soon as you can, to avoid the development of a larger issue.
If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiled linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.