When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, you must work carefully. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.
Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window. This will keep snow, rain and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less appealing and let drafts to enter. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or baseball or a stress like the sudden temperature change, it is essential to have them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning properly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it's not damaged. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from dust, water bugs, and other debris. It also keeps out the weather.
If the crack is getting larger or is getting more large, it is recommended to speak with a professional. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair method.
A crack caused by an impact is the most frequent type of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and broken pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your windows.
Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually over time because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window and can progress to full-blown cracks.
A more serious but possible crack is a pressure crack. It is a curvy, straight line that can stretch 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.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a durable adhesive that can 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 a damp spot under your window or that the wood surrounding it is soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture and can cause numerous issues in your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they could cause structural damage to the house.
It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or comes from the outside. Leaking windows are among the main causes of mold and structural damage So don't leave them untreated.
In window repair , a simple caulking layer is all you need to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll need to clean the area and take off any caulking you have already applied.
Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.
If windows have double panes, you'll also need to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. As time passes the seal will get worn out and let water to enter your home.
Another sign of leaks is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. You might also find peeling paint caused by the effects of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in traditional multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're used only as a decorative element in some older homes.
Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying parts.
Clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Let the paint completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If you're dealing with a more severe problem like cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In such cases you'll need to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of style and size.
Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows are made of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.
Installing a drip-cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps made of aluminum for around $20. They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same function as an authentic muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a signal that you must contact a professional. A sash that is broken ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've broken a sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and functioning.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or improperly installed sash cords. It's easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. It is important to remove the strip of separation that divides the sash from the other so you can access the location where the sash cords are.
After you've removed the sash, you must take the time to compare its metal tabs to the ones on your new sash. If they're different, it may be difficult to put the new sash into its proper slot and will affect how well the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their proper places on the new window.
You'll need to inspect your window frame as well for any damage or decay. It's recommended to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you find any visible damage it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing.
If your window frames are in bad condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.