Why Repair Window Is Your Next Big Obsession

When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to work carefully. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is an easy fix for a cracked window. This will prevent insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home.

Cracked Glass

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

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window, even if it's not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that will provide some protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and keep out the weather.

However, if the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's recommended to seek out a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks usually have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when they break loose. If you have double glazed window repairs near me-pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect your window's energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly as time passes because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window, double glazed window repairs near me and can eventually grow into full-blown breaks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack but it is still able to be repaired. It is typically a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window. It can be the result of high or low air pressure, which could cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window look like it has never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it could be time to consider a window repair. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can create a range of problems for your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your house.

It is best to call an expert if water is visible or comes from outside. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is enough to stop the leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and get rid of any caulking you have already applied.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater but can become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris.

If you have double-paned windows You'll also have to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This creates the gas from escaping between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. As time passes, the seal can wear out and allow water to enter your home.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture that weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are referred to in the UK), separated and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're used only as a decorative element in some older homes.

Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports could get damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.

First, clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave any residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more serious like an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both the design and size.

If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are made of a complete glass pane with a series muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. These windows aren't as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same functions as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken upvc window repairs sash should be a sign that you must seek help. A damaged sash, not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've broken a sash you should 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 or poorly installed the sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. To start, 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 really matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to remove it. To access the sash cords, you'll need to remove the strip that separates the sash.

After you've removed your sash, make sure you examine its metal tabs against the tabs on your new sash. If they're different, it may be difficult to insert the new sash in its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash operates. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in the correct places on the new window.

You'll need to check your window frame as well, for any damage or decay. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. You should repair any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames are deteriorating they can be treated using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.