When It's Time to Repair Windows It is essential to be cautious when you are repairing windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering. Applying a plastic covering over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. This will stop rain, snow and insects from getting into your home. Cracked Glass Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, for example an abrupt temperature change it is crucial to have them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are working correctly. If your window is damaged but not broken, a simple solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from water, dust bugs, and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements. If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become large, it is recommended to speak with an expert. A skilled glazier can determine the root of the problem and recommend an appropriate repair method. Impact cracks are the most popular kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your windows. Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and eventually grow into full-blown cracks. A pressure crack is a more severe crack, but it can still be fixed. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of the window. It could be the result of low or high air pressure, which could cause contraction or expansion of the glass. There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass If you're willing to go further than tape and nail varnish. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window appear like it never had cracks in the first place! Leaking Windows If you notice a damp zone under your window or the wood around it appears weak or rotting, it might be time to repair your windows. In excess moisture, it creates a breeding ground for mildew and mold, which can create a range of problems for your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home. It's best to call an expert if water is visible or leaking from the outside. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage. In many instances, a single layer of caulking is all you need to stop the leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and remove any caulking you have already applied. Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes. Check the seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal may wear away over time, however, and let water enter the home. Water stains on ceiling and walls are another indication of leaks. These occur when drywall is saturated with moisture that weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it away from the wall. Faux Muntins & Mullions In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of tempered glass were available. Today, they're mainly utilized as a decorative element in some older homes. Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports can be damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying components. Clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Allow the paint to completely dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat. If the problem is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances, you'll need to look for a replacement that matches the existing window in both style and size. To save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are made of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however. If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. There are window repair of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same functions as a genuine mullion, or muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A damaged window sash should be a sign that you must contact a professional. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a broken sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and functioning. Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly installed the sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and can be done in most double-hung windows. You'll first need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. Press upwards on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to remove it. You'll need to remove the strip that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the location where the sash cords reside. After you've removed your sash, take the time to examine its metal tabs against the ones on the new sash. If they're different, it will be hard to place the new one in its slot and affect how the sash operates. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window. You'll have to examine your window frame, too to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's recommended to check it regularly since wood shrinks and wears down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as soon as possible to avoid a more serious issue. If your window frames are in bad condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created with half mineral spirits and half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window against the elements.
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