When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when fixing your windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.
Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a quick solution for a window that has cracked. This will stop rain, snow and insects from entering the home.
Cracked glass
Cracked glass can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to enter. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are a result of stress, such as an abrupt change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows working effectively.
Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it is not broken. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris, as well as keeping out the weather.
If the crack is getting larger or is getting more extensive, it is best to consult with an expert. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
Impact cracks are the most frequent kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when they break loose. The crack could affect the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown breaks.
A more serious but possible crack is one that is a pressure crack. This is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by high or low pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
If you're looking to take a step beyond nail polish and tape there are a few other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather do it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or decaying, it might be time to consider a window repair. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions which can cause a number of problems within your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
It's best to call an expert if water is visible or comes from outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They're a major cause of structural damage and mold.
In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first, however, and then remove any old caulking before applying the new layer.
It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris as time passes.
Check the seal between your double-paned windows and the frame. This creates a gas barrier between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. As time passes, the seal can get worn out and let water into your home.
Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint caused by the effects 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 classic multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. They're used only as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Wind or rain can damage one support or a small group, leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting parts.
Clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave a residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying close focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.
If the problem is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances it's crucial to find the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the existing one.
Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows consist of a glass pane that has a series of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. These windows aren't as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.
If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, think about installing an additional drip cap to 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're much simpler to install than a replacement window sash and will provide you with the same functions as a genuine muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to get some help. A damaged sash, ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, 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 or improperly hung cords for sash. Luckily, replacing these is fairly easy and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. To start, window repair near me 'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that hold the sash in place. Push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to pull it out. You'll need to remove the strip that divides the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords are.
After you've removed the sash, be sure to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're not the same, it may be difficult to put the new sash into its proper place and could affect the way that the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their proper positions on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your window for problems or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. If you notice any visible damage it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent an even bigger issue from arising.
If your window frames are deteriorating they can be treated with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiled linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, as well.