When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when repairing your windows. The first step is to put on a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to stop glass shards from cutting you during your work.
An easy solution to a damaged window is to place an aluminum cover over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from getting into your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact like soccer or baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature change, but it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning properly.
Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it is not broken. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from dust, water, bugs, and other debris. It also keeps out the weather.
If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become deep, it is advised to speak with an expert. A professional glazier can identify the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They usually occur when a sharp object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous if they become loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A more serious but possible crack is a pressure crack. It is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by high or low pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.
If you're willing to go further than tape and nail polish, there are several other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd rather do it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It will make your window appear like it never had any cracks at all.
Leaking window repairs near me
If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it appears weak or rotting, it might be the time to fix your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to a number of problems within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked they could cause structural damage to the house.
If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to contact a professional to assist repair the issue right away. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of structural damage and mold and should not be left untreated.
In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all that's needed to stop the leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first, however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking.
It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes.
If you have double-paned windows, you'll also need to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. As time passes the seal may wear out and allow water into your home.
Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. There is also the possibility of 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 called in the UK), separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're used only as a decorative feature in some older homes.
Sometimes it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle components.
First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that doesn't leave any residue. Then, take off any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these instances it is essential to locate a replacement window that matches the design and size of the existing one.
To save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass, with muntins that are that are glued to the surface creating a divided look. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
If you're looking for a simple method to upgrade your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same functions as a genuine mullion, or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash should be a sign that you should contact a professional. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.
Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung cords for sash. It's easy to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash, and then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash.
After you've removed your sash, make sure you compare its metal tabs to those of your new sash. If they're not the same it's difficult to place the new one into its slot and affect how the sash operates. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at their correct places on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also have to examine your window frame for any problems or decay. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood shrinks and wears down over time. If you spot any visible damage it should be fixed as quickly as you can, to avoid the development of a larger issue.
If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to finish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.