Notes

10 Repair Window Tips All Experts Recommend
When It's Time to Repair Windows


If your windows require repair, it's essential to work carefully. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.

A quick solution to a damaged window is to apply a plastic cover over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects from getting into the home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked window glass not only makes your home look less appealing but also let drafts and other elements to enter the home. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, for example an abrupt temperature change it is crucial to have them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are operating properly.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window, even if it's not broken. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from dust, water, bugs, and other debris. It also keeps out the elements.

If the crack is extensive or is getting worse, it's best to consult an expert. A glazier who is experienced can identify the cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They typically occur when a sharp object hits your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are typically with a starburst-like pattern of lines and broken pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could affect the gas in the panes of your double-pane windows and decrease its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and eventually expand into full-blown break.

A more serious but still possible crack is the pressure crack. It is typically a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of high or low air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

If you're willing to go further than nail polish and tape, there are several alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY option, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window look like it never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions, which can lead to various issues within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the 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 to fix the problem right away. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are the most frequent cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is all that's needed to stop the leaks. It is important to clean the area first but you must also take off any caulking that is old before applying new caulking.

It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time.

Check the seal between your double-paned window and the frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and allow water to enter the home.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated with water. Peeling window repairs near me 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 traditional multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components.

First, clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Then, take off any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.

If you're dealing with a more severe problem such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in the middle of the window it's likely to be better to replace the sash. In such cases, you'll need to look for a replacement that matches the existing window in both style and size.

Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows are made of a glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however.

Installing a drip-cap will stop water from entering the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps made of aluminum for around $20. They're much easier to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same functionality as an authentic muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to get some help. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, it is recommended to replace it immediately to ensure that the window is sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly installed the sash cords. It's easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to take off tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash, and then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. It is important to remove the strip that is what separates the sash from other so you can access the location where the sash cords are.

Once you've removed the sash, take the time to compare its metal tabs to the ones on your new sash. If they are different it will be difficult to insert the new sash in its correct slot and could impact how the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct places on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your window for damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down as time passes. You should repair any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are deteriorating they can be treated with a homemade preserver created of half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you are able to re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.

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