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When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when repairing your windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. This will stop rain, snow, and insects from entering your home.
Glass that has cracked
Glass that is cracked not only makes your home less attractive but also let drafts and other elements into the house. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them repaired as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are working effectively.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window, even if it's not damaged. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from dust, water, bugs and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements.
If the crack is becoming larger or has become extensive, it is best to speak with a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
An impact crack is the most common type of window break usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. This crack can compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A pressure crack is a more severe crack but it is still able to be repaired. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of the window. window repair could be a result of low or high air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.
If you're looking to take a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY route epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window look like it has never had a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window or the wood surrounding it is soft or decaying, it may be time to replace your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions and can cause a number of problems within your home. They can affect the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame it's a good idea to contact a professional to assist with the repairs right away. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area, however, and then take off any caulking that is old before applying new caulking.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.
Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This creates the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away with time and let water get into the home.
The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indicator of a leak. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars as they are called in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass with tempered were made available. They're mostly used as decorative elements in a few older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to the support of a single piece or small group of them, creating a crack in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying elements.
Clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to areas that were lightly coated on the first go. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.
If you're dealing with an even more serious issue, such as cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, it's likely to be best to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches the design and size of the current one.
Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows come with a complete pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are that are glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance. They are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.
If you're looking for a simple method to upgrade your windows, consider installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these aluminum drip cap options for around $20. They're much 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 broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for assistance. A damaged sash, not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a broken window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and working.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly hung cords for sash. Luckily, replacing these is relatively simple and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. Then, push up on the side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to take it off. You'll need to remove the parting strip that is what separates the sash from other so you can access the area where the sash cords reside.
After you've removed the sash, you must take the time to compare its metal tabs to those of your new sash. If they're not the same it's difficult to place the new one in its slot and impact how the sash functions. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs at the correct locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your window for damage or rot. It's a good idea check it regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as soon as you can, to avoid a bigger issue.
If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative made using half mineral spirits and half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can help to protect your window from the elements, too.