When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work with care. The first step is to put on a pair safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from cutting you during your work.
A quick fix for a broken window is to place a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent insects, snow and rain from getting into the home.
Glass that has cracked
Broken windows not only make your home appear less appealing but also let drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact like a baseball or soccer, or stress, like an abrupt temperature change, but it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning correctly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window, even if it's not broken. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and keep out the elements.
However, if the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to consult a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They usually occur when a hard object hits your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be risky if they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops because of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks.
A pressure crack is a more serious crack, but it can still be fixed. It is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by low or high pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY option, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window appear like it did not have a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can affect the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall and even worsen symptoms of allergies. If left unchecked they could cause structural damage to the home.
It is best to call a professional if the water is visible or comes from outside. Don't put off leaking windows. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll need to clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.
Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the frame. This creates a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal may wear out and allow water into your home.
Another indication of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated by water. There may also be peeling double glazing repair Welwyn Garden City as a result of the 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 known in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Often, a single or small group of these wooden supports could get damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle components.
First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that will not leave residue. Then, remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a thick coat of white paint, paying close attention to areas which were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint completely dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more serious like an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these instances, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches the design and size of the present one.
For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass, with muntins that are attached to the surface creating a divided look. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, consider installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at the majority of home centers for around $20. They're a lot easier to install than windowsash replacements and will provide you with the same functionality as an authentic mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash must be a sign that you need to call for help. If it's not checked the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and is possible in all double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need dislodge the metal tabs that secure the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove with care the parting strips that separate the sash.
After you've removed the sash, you must take the time to compare its metal tabs to the tabs on your new sash. If they're different, it will be difficult to place the new sash into its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash performs. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct positions on the new window.
You'll have to examine your window frame as well for any damage or decay. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. You should fix any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames have deteriorated they can be treated using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiled linseed. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements too.