When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when fixing your windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a quick solution for a window that has cracked. This will stop rain, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors snow and insects from entering the home.

Cracked glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball, or stress, like an abrupt temperature change, but it is important to have them repaired as soon as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working effectively.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not damaged. It's an easy and affordable solution that will provide some protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris, as well as keeping out the weather.

However, if the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to consult a professional. An experienced glazier will be able to determine the root cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common window doctor Near me breakage. They typically occur when a hard object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact your window's energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress crack, that develops slowly as time passes because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and can progress to full-blown cracks.

A more serious but doable crack is one that is a pressure crack. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of high or low air pressure, which can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're willing to go a step beyond nail polish and tape there are a few alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window or the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can create a range of problems for your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the home.

It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural damage and mold, so don't leave them untreated.

In many instances the use of caulking is to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first, but you must also take off any caulking that is old before applying the new layer.

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

If windows have double glazing panes You'll also have to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help maintain a barrier between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. Over time the seal may be worn out and allow water into your home.

Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of leaks. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. There may also be peeling paint, which is a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past muntins (or glazing bars as they are known in the UK), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. Today, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors they're mainly utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.

Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting components.

First, clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave any residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to completely dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you have an even more serious issue, such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in the middle of the window, then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these instances, it's important to find a replacement window that matches the style and size of the present one.

If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with a series of muntins that are glued to the surface, giving them a divided look. They are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.

Installing a drip cap can stop water from entering the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at the majority of home centers for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functions as a real mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a sign that you must call for help. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off the metal tabs holding the sash. Push up on the other side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to pull it out. To access the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.

It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're different it can be difficult to insert the new one into its slot and impact how the sash functions. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.

You'll need to check your window frame as well, for any damage or RepairMyWindowsAndDoors rot. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are in bad condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created using half mineral spirits and half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can then re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.