When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work carefully. First, you should put on a pair cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to prevent glass shards from cutting you as you work.

An easy fix for a broken window is to apply a plastic covering over the crack. This will prevent snow, rain, and insects from entering your home.

Cracked glass

Glass that is cracked not only makes your home appear less appealing, but it can also allow drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, like soccer or baseball, or stress, like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows working properly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, a simple fix is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters and also keep out the elements.

However, if the crack is large or is getting worse, you should consult a professional. A professional glazier can identify the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.

A crack caused by an impact 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 display a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous if they become loose. If you have double glazing Northampton-pane windows this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your window's energy use.

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

A pressure crack is a more severe crack but it is still able to be fixed. It is typically a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of the window. It could be the result of high or low air pressure, which could cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're ready to take a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY route, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it has never had cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness under your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to start a windows repair project. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture, which can lead to a number of problems within your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen symptoms of allergies. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's a good idea to seek out a professional to assist repair the issue right away. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of mold and structural damage So don't leave them untreated.

In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, it's necessary clean the area and remove any existing caulking.

Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time with insect corpses or other debris.

Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This creates a gas barrier between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away with time and let water leak into the house.

Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK) separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. They're mostly used as a decorative feature in a few 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. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying elements.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that does not leave traces. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've cut the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Let the paint completely dry prior Double Glazing Repair Basildon to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you have a more severe problem, such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in center of the window, then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of style and size.

Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows consist of a glass pane with a series muntins that are glued on the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however.

Installing a drip cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps in aluminum for around $20. They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functions as a real muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to get some help. If it's not checked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and Double Glazing Repair Basildon sill. If you've broken a 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 out or improperly hung the sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords in most double glazing repair basildon-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that hold the sash in place. Press upwards on the other side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to take it off. You'll want to carefully remove the strip of separation that divides the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords are.

After you've removed the sash, it's important to make sure you compare its metal tabs to the tabs on the new sash. If they are different it will be difficult to put the new sash into its proper slot and will affect how well the sash functions. This can be corrected by placing the tabs in their correct positions on your new window.

You'll need to check your window frame as well to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and break down as time passes. If you find any visible damage it should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent an even bigger issue from arising.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative made using half mineral spirits and half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can restore your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.