When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, you must work carefully. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.

An easy fix for a broken window is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will stop snow, rain, and insects from entering your home.

Cracked glass

Glass that is cracked not only makes your home look less appealing, but it can also allow drafts and other elements to enter the house. Whether the cracks were caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are a result of stress, for example an abrupt temperature change, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning effectively.

If your window is damaged but not broken, a simple fix is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a cheap and simple solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs and other particles and keep out the elements.

If the crack is severe or is getting worse, you should seek out an expert. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair method.

An impact crack is the most popular type of window break typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. This crack can compromise the gas in the panes of the double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edge of your window, and eventually can develop into complete breaks.

A pressure crack is a more serious crack but it is still able to be repaired. It is typically a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window. It could be the result of high or low air pressure that can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're looking to take a step beyond tape and nail polish, Double glazing repairs there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. 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 strong adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window look like it never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it might be time to start a windows repair project. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house.

It is recommended to contact an expert if water is visible or leaking from outside. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of structural damage and mold So don't leave them untreated.

In many instances, caulking can be used to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first though, and get rid of any old caulking prior to applying a new layer.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time by insect carcasses or other debris.

If windows have double glazing repairs near me panes You'll also have to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This helps to keep the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, and allow water to leak into the house.

Another indication of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated by water. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK) separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative feature in a few older homes.

Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying parts.

Clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a thick coat of white paint, paying close attention to the areas which were lightly coated on the first pass. Let the paint completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If the problem is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the existing window in both style and size.

Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with the muntins being glued to the surface creating a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.

Installing a drip cap can stop water from getting into the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps in aluminum for about $20. They're much easier to install than an alternative window sash and will provide you with the same function as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a sign that you need to call for help. If left unchecked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or improperly installed cords for sash. It's easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To access the cords of the sash, you'll need to carefully remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

After you've removed your sash, you must take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're not the same, it may be difficult to insert the new sash into its correct slot and could impact how the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs at the correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your window for damage or rot. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. It is important to repair any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created from half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can then re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.