When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to be careful when working. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.

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

Cracked glass

Glass that is cracked not only makes your home look less appealing but let drafts and other elements to enter the house. Whether the cracks were caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, like 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 working correctly.

If your window is cracked, but not broken, an easy 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 particles and also keep out the elements.

However, if the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, it's best to consult a professional. A professional glazier can identify the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.

An impact crack is the most popular type of window break usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous in the event that they become loose. This crack can compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

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

If you're looking to take a step beyond nail polish and tape there are several other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it did not have cracks in the first place!

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 to start a windows repair project. In excess moisture, it creates a breeding ground for mildew and mold, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can reduce the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the house.

If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame it's best to contact an expert to assist you to fix the problem immediately. Don't put off leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.

In many instances, a single caulking layer is all that's needed to stop the leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need to clean the area and remove any caulking you have already applied.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.

If windows have double panes it is also necessary to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and let water leak into the house.

Another indication of a leak is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated by water. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away 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. Since larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII They went out of fashion. Today, they're mainly utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.

Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting components.

First, clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical upvc window repair muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower part of the window repair near me frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you're experiencing an issue that is more serious like cracks that create an hourglass shape in the center of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with the design and size of the current one.

For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window repairs near me. These windows consist of a complete glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

Installing a drip cap can stop water from getting into the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps in aluminum for about $20. They're much simpler to install than windowsash replacements, and they'll provide you with the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged upvc window repairs near me sash is an obvious indication that it's time for some help. If not taken care of, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and working.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed the sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords on most double glazed Window Repairs near me-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. Push up on the side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to pull it out. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash.

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

In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your windows for damage or rot. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a bigger issue.

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 has dried for two days, you are able to re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.