When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when fixing your windows. The first step is to 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 a quick fix for a damaged window. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering the home.
Cracked Glass
Broken windows not only makes your home appear less appealing, but it can also allow drafts and other elements to enter the house. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball, or stress, like an abrupt temperature change, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and to ensure that your windows are functioning properly.
If your window is cracked, but not broken, an easy fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters, as well as keeping out the weather.
If the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, you should seek out an expert. A professional glazier can identify the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They usually occur when a hard object strikes your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous in the event that they become loose. This crack can compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress crack, which can develop gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edge of your window and can eventually grow into complete breaks.
A more serious but doable crack is the pressure crack. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of low or high air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.
If you're ready to take a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are a few other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. A product such as 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 sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to stop 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 surrounding it is weak or rotting, it might be time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture and can cause a number of problems within your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they could 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 and mold damage, so don't leave them untreated.
In many instances, caulking can be used to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking.
You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time by insect carcasses or other debris.
Check the seal between your double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This helps to keep a gas barrier between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. Over time, the seal can get worn out and let water into your home.
Water stains on walls and ceiling are another indication of leaks. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated with water. There may also be peeling paint as a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are known in the UK), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.
Often, a single or small group of these wooden supports can be damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle components.
Clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. 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 crack in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In such cases you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.
If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are constructed of a complete glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.
If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap in order to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash and will provide you with the same functionality as an authentic muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for some help. A broken sash, if left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and functioning.
Often, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. First, you'll need to take off tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to pull it out. You'll need to remove the strip of separation that divides the sash from the other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords are located.
It's important that you compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same it's difficult to insert the new one in its slot and impact how the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs at their correct places on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect the frame of your windows for problems or decay. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and break down over time. You should fix any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a more serious issue.
If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made with half mineral spirits and half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can restore your frames with high-quality latex paint. double glazing Orpington of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.