When It's Time to Repair Windows

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

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a quick solution for a window that has cracked. This will prevent rain, snow and insects out of your home.

Glass that has cracked

Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to enter. The cracks could be caused by an collision (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, like an abrupt change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are operating correctly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and keep out the elements.

If the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's best to consult an expert. A skilled glazier can identify the root of the problem and suggest a suitable repair procedure.

A crack caused by an impact is the most popular kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to break it. The cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. This crack can compromise the gas in the panes of the double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.

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 begin around the edge of your window, and window repairs Stockport eventually can develop into full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and can be the result of low or high air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're willing to go a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are several other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window appear like it never had cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window or that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture which can cause various issues within your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.

It's best to call an expert if the water is visible or comes from outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are a leading cause of structural damage and mold.

In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area, however, and then take off any caulking that is old before applying new caulking.

You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.

Check the seal between the double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and let water get into the home.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is soaked with water. There may also be peeling paint as a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. Today, they're only used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

The effects of rain or wind can harm a single support or a small group, leaving an opening in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying parts.

Clean the affected areas with 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 painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Allow the paint to completely dry before removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these instances, you'll need to look for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both the design and size.

Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows feature a complete pane of glass, with a series of muntins that are glued to the surface creating a divided appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

Installing a drip-cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps in aluminum for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time to get assistance. 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 have a broken sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.

The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing these is relatively simple and can be done in the majority of double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash then pull in toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. You'll need to remove the strip of separation that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the area where the sash cords are located.

After you've removed the sash, take the time to compare its metal tabs to the ones on the new sash. If they're not the same it's difficult to place the new one into its slot and impact how the sash functions. Fortunately, window repairs stockport this can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.

You'll have to examine your window repairs Watford frame, too to look for any signs of damage or decay. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood shrinks and wears down over time. If you spot any obvious damage, it should be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.

If your Window Repairs Stockport frames are deteriorating they can be treated with a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiling in linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.