Five Repair Window Lessons From The Pros

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When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when fixing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.

A quick fix for a window that is broken is to apply a plastic covering over the crack. This will prevent snow, rain and insects out of your home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked glass can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball or stress, such as the sudden temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows working effectively.

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

If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become deep, it is advised to speak with an expert. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They typically occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks usually display an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. The crack could compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress crack which develops gradually as time passes because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and can eventually grow into complete breaks.

A pressure crack is a more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of the window. It can be the result of low or high air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather do it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture and can cause various issues within your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your house.

It is recommended to contact an expert if the water is visible or coming from outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all that's needed to stop the leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have to clean the area and get rid of any existing caulking.

You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.

Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. As time passes the seal will wear out and allow water to enter your home.

Water stains on walls and ceiling are another indicator of a leak. The drywall becomes discolored when it is soaked with water. You might also find peeling paint as a result of water destroying 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), separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass with tempered were made available. They're mainly used as decorative elements in some older homes.

The effects of rain or wind can harm a single support or a small portion of them, resulting in cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting parts.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that does not leave traces. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the upvc repair intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these instances, you'll need to look for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both style and size.

Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows consist of a glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however.

If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, think about installing an additional drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at the majority of home centers for around $20. They're much simpler to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same functionality as an authentic mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time to get some help. 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 window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed the sash cords. It's easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. 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 doesn't matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to remove it. It is important to remove the parting strip that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the location where the sash cords are.

It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're not the same it's difficult to insert the new one into its slot and could affect the way it operates. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct positions on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your window for problems or rot. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative made with half mineral spirits and half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.