When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, you must work with care. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering the home.

Cracked glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or a baseball or a stress like a sudden temperature change, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning effectively.

If your window is cracked but not broken, a quick solution is to use clear tape to cover it. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from water, dust bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the elements.

However, if the crack is extensive or is getting worse, it's recommended to seek out a professional. An experienced glazier will be able to determine the root of the problem and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.

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. The cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your window's energy use.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

A more serious, but doable crack is the pressure crack. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of the window. It can be the result of low or high air pressure, which could cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

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 can give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your upvc window repairs near me appear like it never had any cracks at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. The excess moisture can create the perfect environment for mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

It's best to call an expert if water is visible or leaking from outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are a leading cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and get rid of any existing caulking.

Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater but can become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris.

If windows are double-paned You'll also have to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and allow water to leak into the house.

Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of leaks. These occur when drywall is saturated with moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result of the water weakening 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 panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can be damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting elements.

First, 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 trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Now, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close attention to areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.

If the problem is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's recommended 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 the design and size.

Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows consist of a glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for a simple method to upgrade your windows, you should consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. They're a lot easier to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same function as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you should call for help. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or Upvc window Repairs near me improperly installed sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and is possible in all double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need dislodge the metal tabs that hold the sash in place. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash, and then pull it towards the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To get access to the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip of separation that separates the sash.

It is important to check the metal tabs on the old sash to the new one. If they're different, it will be hard to place the new one in its slot and impact how the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing tabs in the correct places on your new upvc window repair near me.

You'll need to inspect the frame of your window, too for any damage or rot. It's a good idea do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.