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When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is important to be cautious when you are repairing windows. First, you should put on a pair safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from slicing you while you work.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window repair. This will prevent insects, snow and rain from getting into the home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked window glass not only make your home look less appealing, but it can let drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact like a baseball or soccer, or stress, like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working correctly.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not broken. It's an easy and affordable solution that can provide protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters, as well as keeping out the elements.

If the crack is becoming bigger or is large, it is recommended to speak with an expert. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the root of the problem and recommend an appropriate repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack, but it can still be fixed. It is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by low or high pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

If you're ready to take further than nail polish and tape, there are a few alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear like 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 appears soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture and can cause numerous issues in your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.

It is best to call an expert if water is visible or comes from the outside. Don't put off leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of structural damage and mold.

In many instances, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, it's necessary clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.

You'll also need to check 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 with insect corpses or other debris.

If windows are double-paned, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help maintain a barrier between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and let water enter the home.

Another sign of leaks is the appearance of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated with water. There may also be 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 tempered glass were available. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.

Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports can get damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle parts.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaners that does not leave traces. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying special attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.

If the issue is more severe like an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these situations it's crucial to find the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the existing one.

Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows consist of a glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

Installing a drip-cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. There are 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 an alternative window sash and will provide you with the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a signal that you must seek help. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and working.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or installed improperly installed the sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and is possible in most double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that secure the sash. Press upwards on the other side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to take it off. To access the sash cords, you'll need to remove with care the parting strips that separate the sash.

It's important that you examine the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're different it's difficult to place the new one in its slot and impact how the sash functions. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your window for damage or decay. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are deteriorating, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created from half mineral spirits and boiled linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements, too.