When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.
An easy solution to a damaged window is to place an aluminum cover over the crack. This will prevent snow, rain and insects out of your home.
Cracked glass
Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer, or stress, like the sudden temperature change, but it is essential to have them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working properly.
Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it's not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from dust, water, bugs and other debris and keep out the weather.
If the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, you should seek out a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
A crack caused by an impact is the most popular type of window break usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks typically have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous if they become loose. The crack could affect the gas in the panes of your double-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually expand into full-blown break.
A pressure crack is a more serious crack however it can be fixed. It is a curvy curve that extends 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 when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd rather make 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 the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be time to replace your windows. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.
It is best to call an expert if water is visible or coming from the outside. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of mold and structural damage So don't leave them untreated.
In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, it's necessary clean the area and take off any caulking you have already applied.
It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal will be worn out and allow water to enter your home.
Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint, which is 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 referred to in the UK) separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. They're used only as a decorative element in some older homes.
window repair or wind can cause damage to the support of a single piece or small group of them, creating an opening in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle and decaying components.
First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that will not leave residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.
If you're dealing with a more severe problem like cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find a replacement window that matches the design and size of the present one.
For a less expensive alternative, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows have a full pane of glass with muntins that are glued to the surface creating a divided look. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows.
Installing a drip-cap will stop water from entering the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash and will provide you with the same functions as an authentic mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash must be a sign that you must seek help. If it's not checked the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.
The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. You'll first need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. Then, push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to remove it. To access the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.
It is crucial to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to put the new sash into its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash operates. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their correct places on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your windows for problems or rot. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and break down over time. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a more serious issue.
If your window frames have begun to deteriorate, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.