Notes

5 Repair Window Lessons Learned From Professionals
When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, you must be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.

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

Glass that has cracked

Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball or stress, such as a sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning properly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, a quick fix 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 and keep out the weather.

If the crack is getting larger or has become large, it is recommended to consult with an expert. A glazier who is experienced will be able to determine the cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair method.

Impact cracks are the most popular kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous in the event that they become loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect your window's energy efficiency.


Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious, but doable crack is the pressure crack. It's usually a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of low or high air pressure, which could cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you prefer to make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at all.

Leaking Windows

If you see a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it might be time for a windows repair project. Excessive moisture creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and even worsen allergies. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the house.

If the water is coming from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to contact a professional to help you repair the issue immediately. Leaking windows are among the main causes of mold and structural damage, 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, however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris over time.

Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the frame. This helps to keep a gas barrier between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and allow water to leak into the house.

Water stains on walls and ceiling are another sign of a leak. The drywall becomes discolored when it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses tempered glass were available. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Most of the time it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.

Clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying special attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Allow the paint to completely dry before removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If the problem is more severe 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 is similar to 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 set of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.

Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps in aluminum for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same function as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a sign that you need to contact a professional. If it's not checked the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly hung cords for sash. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and is possible in the majority of double-hung windows. To begin, upvc windows repair need remove the tabs made of metal that secure the sash. To do this push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash, and then pull it toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To access 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 are different it may be difficult to insert the new sash into its proper place and could affect the way that the sash functions. This can be corrected by putting the tabs in their correct places on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine your window frame for any problems or rot. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. If you find any visible damage, it must be addressed as soon as you can, to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.

If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created using half mineral spirits and half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.

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