When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work with care. First, you should put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work.

An easy solution to a damaged window is to place a plastic cover over the crack. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from entering the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked not only makes your home appear less appealing however, it could let drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or baseball or stress, such as the sudden temperature change, it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.

If your window is cracked but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to it. It's a cheap and simple solution that can provide protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters, as well as keeping out the weather.

However, if the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, it's best to consult a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and impact your window's energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress crack, that develops slowly as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and eventually expand into full-blown break.

A more serious but possible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your Window Repairs Letchworth and could be a result of high or low air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, window repairs Letchworth will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window look like it has never had cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood surrounding it is soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to a number of problems within your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and Window Repairs Letchworth worsen symptoms of allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

It is best to call an expert if water is visible or leaking from the outside. Don't put off leaking windows. They are a leading cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and get rid of any existing caulking.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

If windows are double-paned it is also necessary to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This helps to keep the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and allow water to enter the home.

Water stains on ceiling and walls are another indication of the presence of a leak. The drywall becomes discolored when it is soaked with water. You might also find peeling paint as a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are called 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. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Often, a single or small group of these wooden supports could be damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaners that will not leave residue. Then, remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying close focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.

If you're experiencing a more severe problem such as cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these cases it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the current one.

For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are that are glued to the surface creating 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, consider installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at the majority of home centers for around $20. They're a lot easier to install than windowsash replacements and will provide you with the same functions as an authentic mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to get assistance. If left unchecked the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and is possible in most double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need dislodge the metal tabs that secure the sash. To do this push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. To get access to the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.

It is crucial to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different it can be difficult to put the new one into its slot and affect how the sash operates. This can be corrected by placing the tabs in their proper locations on your new window.

You'll have to examine your window frame as well to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. 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 created with half mineral spirits and half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can then restore your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements too.