When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.

A quick solution to a damaged window is to put a plastic covering over the crack. This will stop rain, snow and insects out of your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, such as soccer or baseball, or stress, like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to ensure that your windows are functioning properly.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it's not broken. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from water, dust bugs and other particles, Double Glazing Luton as well as keeping out the elements.

However, if the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, it's best to seek out a professional. A professional glazier can determine the root of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

An impact crack is the most frequent type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous if they become loose. The crack could compromise the gas between the panes of the double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious but feasible crack is the pressure crack. This is a curvy, straight line that can stretch 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 ready to take further than 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 little more expensive, but will offer a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd prefer to do 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 in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window, or the wood around it is weak or rotting, it might be time to replace your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture and can cause various issues within your home. They can affect the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

If the water is coming from outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to contact an expert to assist you with the repairs immediately. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.

In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and take off any caulking that is in place.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris as time passes.

If windows have double glazing repairs Salford panes You'll also have to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and let water get into the home.

Water stains on walls and ceiling are another sign of the presence of a leak. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated by water. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away 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 were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.

Wind or rain can damage a single support or a small group, leaving an opening in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle elements.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that will not leave residue. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.

If the problem is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these instances you'll need to search for a replacement that matches the existing window in both style and size.

Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows are constructed of a complete glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however.

If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, you should consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash and will provide you with the same function as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a sign that you need to contact a professional. If not taken care of the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and double glazing Luton sill. If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and working.

The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords on the majority of Double glazing Luton-hung window models. You'll first need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove with care the strip of separation that separates the sash.

It's important that you compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're different, it may be difficult to insert the new sash in its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash performs. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in their proper places on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your window for problems or rot. It's recommended to check it regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a bigger issue.

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