When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when repairing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a quick solution for repairing a window that has cracked. This will keep insects, snow and rain from getting into the home.

Glass that has cracked

Glass that is cracked not only make your home look less appealing however, it could also let drafts and other elements into the home. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, for example a sudden change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning effectively.

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

If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is large, it is recommended to consult with an expert. An experienced glazier will be able to determine the root of the problem and suggest a suitable repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They usually occur when a sharp object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. The cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could compromise the gas between the panes of the double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

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

If you're willing to go further than nail polish and tape there are a few 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 more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. 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 will make your window appear like it never had any cracks in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness beneath your upvc window repairs near me, or notice that the wood around it is weak or decaying, it might be time to consider a window repair. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture and can cause numerous issues in your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and even increase the severity of allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the house.

It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or leaking from outside. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are the most frequent cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area, but you must also take off any caulking that is old before applying new caulking.

It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris.

Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal may wear away with time and let water leak into the house.

Water stains on walls and ceiling are another sign of a leak. 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 the water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling 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 larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Most of the time it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting elements.

Clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. Once you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Then, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Allow the paint to fully dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you're dealing with an even more serious issue such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in the center of the window, it's likely to be better to replace the sash. In such cases you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both the design and size.

Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows come with a complete pane of glass, with a series of muntins glued to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

Installing a drip cap can 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 are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to seek some help. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, it is recommended to replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly installed cords for sash. It's easy to replace these cords in the majority of double glazing repairs near me-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that hold the sash in place. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull it toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To get access to the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the parting strips that separate the sash.

Once you've removed the sash, it's important to be sure to compare its metal tabs to those of the new sash. If they are different it will be difficult to put the new sash into its proper place and could affect how well the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing tabs in their proper places on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine your window frame for any damage or decay. It's recommended to do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made with half mineral spirits and half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you are able to finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.