When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's important to work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.

A quick fix for a window that is broken is to place a plastic cover over the crack. This will stop insects, snow, and rain from entering your home.

Glass that has cracked

Glass that is cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, like soccer or baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows working effectively.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not damaged. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from water, dust bugs and other debris. It also helps keep out the weather.

If the crack is getting larger or has become extensive, it is best to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

Impact cracks are the most popular type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually display an arc of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous if they become loose. If you have double glazing repair pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your window's energy use.

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 much 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 and could be a result of high or low air pressure, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're willing to go further than tape and nail polish, there are several other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you see a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time for a windows repair. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to numerous issues in your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can worsen allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your house.

If the water is coming in from the outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to seek out an expert to assist you with the repairs immediately. Don't ignore leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area, however, and then take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.

Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater but can become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

If windows have double panes, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This creates a gas barrier between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal may wear out and allow water into your home.

The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of leaks. The drywall will turn discolored once it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in the classic multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. They're used only as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Sometimes it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting elements.

Clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to areas which were lightly coated on the first coat. Allow the paint to completely dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second 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 these cases, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the present one.

Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows are constructed of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.

If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps in aluminum for around $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same functions as a real mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it's time for assistance. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your Window Replacement Near Me is properly sealed and working.

Often, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed sash cords. Luckily, replacing these is fairly easy and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the strip of separation that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the area where the sash cords reside.

After you've removed your sash, make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to the ones on the new sash. If they're different, it may be difficult to insert the new sash in its proper place and could affect how well the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in their proper positions on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your window for problems or decay. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood shrinks and wears down over time. You should repair any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames have deteriorated they can be treated using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can finish your frames with the finest latex paint. A new coat of paint can protect your window from the elements too.