When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to be careful when working. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window. This will prevent rain, snow, and insects from entering your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball or a stress like an abrupt temperature change, it is essential to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows working effectively.
If your window is cracked but not broken, a simple fix is to apply clear tape to it. It's a cheap and simple solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the weather.
If the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, it's best to seek out an expert. A professional glazier can identify the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.
A crack caused by an impact is the most common kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid 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 could be risky if they break loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect your window's energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edge of your window and can progress to full-blown breaks.
A more serious, but feasible 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 low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.
If you're ready to take further than nail polish and tape, there are alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at all.
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to numerous issues in your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked they could cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
It's best to call an expert if water is visible or comes from the outside. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.
In many instances, a single caulking layer is enough to stop the leaks. Before applying the caulking, it's necessary clean the area and remove any caulking you have already applied.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater but can become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. Milton Keynes double glazing repairs will ensure a seal between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and allow water to enter the home.
Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of the presence of a leak. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated by water. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK) separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're mainly used as decorative elements in some older homes.
Most of the time it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting parts.
First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking 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. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the issue is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with the design and size of the existing one.
Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows have a full pane of glass, with muntins that are attached to the surface which gives them a split look. These windows are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.
Installing a drip cap can stop water from getting into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same function as a genuine mullion or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash must be a signal that you must call for help. 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 sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.
The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. Push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that is what separates the sash from other so you can access the location where the sash cords are located.
After you've removed your sash, take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to the tabs on your new sash. If they're different, it can be difficult to put the new sash in its proper place and could affect the way that the sash operates. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their proper positions on your new window.
You'll need to inspect the frame of your window, too, for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. If you notice any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.
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 boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements too.