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8 Tips To Up Your Repair Window Game
When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when repairing your windows. First, you should put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent glass shards from slicing you while you work.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a simple solution for a window that has cracked. This will keep snow, rain and insects from getting into your home.

Cracked glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less appealing and let drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or baseball or a stress like an abrupt temperature change, it is important to have them repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning correctly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from water, dust bugs and other particles and keep out the weather.

However, if the crack is extensive or is getting worse, it's best to consult a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

Impact cracks are the most popular type of window break, typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect your window's energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack, which can develop gradually as time passes, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can progress to full-blown breaks.

A more serious but still possible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.

If you're looking to take further than nail polish and tape there are other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather make it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window or the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture and can cause various issues within your home. They can decrease the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall and even worsen symptoms of allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.

If the water is coming from outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to seek out a professional to help you with the repairs right away. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of mold and structural damage, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all that's needed to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll need to clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.

Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris as time passes.

If windows have double panes You'll also have to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This will ensure a seal between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, and allow water to leak into the house.

Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling 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 traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses tempered glass were available. They're mainly used as decorative elements in some older homes.

Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle and decaying parts.

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

If the issue is more serious like an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these situations it's crucial to find an alternative window that is in line with the design and size of the present one.

Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with the muntins being glued to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. These windows are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at the majority of home centers for around $20. They are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and offer 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 to get some help. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a broken sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. Push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to pull it out. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other so you can access the location where the sash cords are located.


It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they are different it can be difficult to put the new sash in its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash operates. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing tabs in their proper positions on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check the frame of your windows for damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. If you spot any visible damage, it must be fixed as quickly as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing.

If window repairs near me have begun to deteriorate and are in need of repair, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can protect your window from the elements, too.

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