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 shattering.

A quick solution to a damaged window is to put a plastic cover over the crack. This will stop insects, snow and rain 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 the cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer, or stress, like an abrupt temperature change, it is important to have them repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows functioning effectively.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it is not broken. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to shield your window from dust, water bugs and other sand. It also helps keep out the weather.

If the crack is getting bigger or is large, it is recommended to seek advice from an expert. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually display an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous if they become loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your window's energy use.

Another type of crack is a stress crack, which develops gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

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

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass If you're willing to go further than tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd 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 like it never had any cracks at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or decaying, it might be time to start a windows repair. In excess moisture, it creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your house.

If the water is coming in from the outside or is visible through the frame it's best to seek out a professional to assist with the repairs immediately. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.

In many instances, a single layer of caulking is all you need to stop the leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area, UPVC Window Repairs Near Me but you must also get rid of any old caulking prior to applying a new layer.

You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and window repairs other debris as time passes.

If windows have double panes, you'll also need to examine the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal may wear away over time, however, and allow water to enter the home.

Another indication of leaks is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. There may also be peeling paint, which is a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

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

The effects of rain or wind can harm one support or a small group of them, creating a crack in the window. The good news is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle components.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've cut the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.

If the issue is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches the design and size of the existing one.

Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows are constructed of a complete glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows.

If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, think about installing a new drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They're much simpler to install than an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same function as a real muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a sign that you should call for help. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to 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 operating.

Often, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed cords for sash. It's easy to replace these cords in the majority of double glazing near me-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that secure the sash. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to take it off. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.

Once you've removed the sash, make sure you examine its metal tabs against those of your new sash. If they are different it may be difficult to place the new sash in its proper place and could affect the way that the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct positions on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect the frame of your window for damage or rot. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as soon as you can, to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate and are in need of repair, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to refinish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can protect your window from the elements, as well.