When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, it's important to work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.
Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple solution for a window that has cracked. This will stop snow, rain and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that has cracked can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to pass through. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are a result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are operating properly.
Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not damaged. This is a quick, low-cost solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs, and other debris. It also helps keep out the elements.
If the crack appears to be getting larger or is getting more extensive, it is best to speak with an expert. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They typically occur when a hard object strikes your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they come loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect your window's energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A more serious but possible crack is one that 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 high or low air pressure, which can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
If you're ready to take a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are several other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY method epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window look like it never had cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can create a range of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and even worsen allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your house.
It is recommended to contact an expert if water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of structural damage and mold So don't leave them untreated.
In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first but you must also take off any caulking that is old before applying the new layer.
You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes.
Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This helps to keep a barrier of gas between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. Over time, the seal can wear out and allow water into 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. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in traditional multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII, they fell out of fashion. Today, they're mainly utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to one support or a small group, leaving a crack in the window. The good part is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle parts.
Clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Then, take off any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If you're experiencing an issue that is more serious such as cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window it's likely to be best to replace the sash. In such cases you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.
If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows are constructed of a glass pane with a series muntins that are glued on the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.
Installing a drip cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps made of aluminum for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same functions as a real mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to seek assistance. If left unchecked the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with 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 operating.
The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing these is quite simple and is possible in all double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. Push up on the side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to take it off. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the area where the sash cords reside.
It's important that you examine the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're not the same, it can be difficult to put the new sash into its proper slot and will affect the way that the sash operates. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing tabs in their proper places on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine your window frame for any problems or rot. It's recommended to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. If you find any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as you can to avoid the development of a larger issue.
If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiled linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using high-quality latex paint. Wandsworth window repairs of paint can also protect your window from the elements.