When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is important to be cautious when you are repairing windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.

An easy fix for a window that is broken is to apply a plastic cover over the crack. This will stop insects, snow, repairmywindowsanddoors and rain from getting into the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked not only makes your home look less appealing, repairmywindowsanddoors but it can also let drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, like soccer or baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature drop, but it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning properly.

If your window is cracked but not broken, a simple fix is to apply clear tape to it. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from dust, water bugs, and other debris. It also keeps out the elements.

If the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to consult an expert. An experienced glazier can determine the root of the problem and suggest a suitable repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common type of window break typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they come loose. The crack could compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly over time because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, Repairmywindowsanddoors and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

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

If you're willing to go a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY method epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window appear like it did not have a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or decaying, it might be time to consider a window repair project. In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mildew and mold, which can create a range of problems for your home. They can reduce 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 visible through the frame it's a good idea to contact a professional to help you with the repairs right away. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.

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

Check the weepholes of the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they could become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

If windows are double-paned You'll also have to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, and let water get into the home.

Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indicator of a leak. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it 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 classic multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of tempered glass were available. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying components.

Clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.

If you're experiencing a more severe problem, such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in middle of the window then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with the style and size of the present one.

Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows consist of a full glass pane, with a set of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to get assistance. If it's not checked the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, it is recommended to replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the problem is caused by worn or poorly installed sash cords. Luckily, replacing these is fairly easy and can be accomplished in all double glazing repair Oldham-hung windows. First, you'll need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull in toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.

Once you've removed the sash, be sure to compare its metal tabs to those of the new sash. If they're not the same it's difficult to place the new one in its slot and could affect the way it functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their correct places on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect the frame of your window for damage or rot. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. If you spot any obvious damage, it should be fixed as quickly as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A new coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements, as well.