When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when you are repairing windows. First, you should wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from slicing you while you work.
Placing a plastic cover over the crack is an easy fix for a cracked window. This will keep insects, snow and rain from getting into the home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less appealing and let drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature change, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning effectively.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not broken. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs, and other debris. It also helps keep out the weather.
If the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to seek out an expert. A skilled glazier can determine the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair method.
Impact cracks are the most popular type of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be dangerous if they fall loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane windows and decrease its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and can progress to full-blown breaks.
A more serious but still doable crack is a pressure crack. It's usually a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could be a result of low or high air pressure, which can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY method, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window look like it has never had cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window or the wood surrounding it is soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture and can cause various issues within your home. They can reduce indoor air quality, lead to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your house.
If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to get a professional to help you to fix the problem immediately. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.
In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first though, and get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer.
You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time.
Examine the seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This creates the gas from escaping between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal may wear out and allow water into your home.
Another indication of leaks is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated by water. There may also be peeling paint, which is a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and tearing it 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 that were tempered became available. They're mostly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.
Wind or rain can damage one support or a small portion of them, resulting in 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 will not leave residue. Then, take off any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a thick coat of white paint, paying special focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat.
If the issue is more severe like an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these situations it is essential to locate an alternative window that is in line with the design and size of the current one.
If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are made of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however.
If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. Most home centers sell these aluminum drip cap options for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same functions as a genuine mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to get assistance. A sash that is broken ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.
The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. window repairs 'll want to carefully remove the strip that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the location where the sash cords are located.
After you've removed your sash, you must take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're not the same, it will be hard to place the new one in its place and impact how the sash operates. Fortunately, this issue can be fixed by placing tabs in their proper places on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect the frame of your window for problems or decay. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down over time. If you spot any visible damage it should be addressed as soon as you can, to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.
If your window frames have begun to deteriorate, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created of 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 can also shield your window from the elements.