What A Weekly Repair Window Project Can Change Your Life

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.
An easy fix for a broken window is to apply a plastic covering over the crack. This will keep insects, snow and rain from entering your home.
Cracked glass
Cracked window glass not only make your home appear less appealing, but it can also allow drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, like a baseball or soccer or a stress like a sudden temperature change, but it is crucial to get them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.
If window repair is cracked, but not broken, a quick solution is to apply clear tape to it. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from water, dust bugs and other debris. It also helps keep out the weather.
If the crack is severe or is getting worse, you should consult a professional. A professional glazier can identify the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
A crack caused by an impact is the most popular type of window break typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually display an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown breaks.
A more serious, but feasible crack is one that is a pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of low or high air pressure, which can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide more protection and longevity 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 like it never had any cracks in it at all.
Leaking Windows
If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it may be time to start a windows repair. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can even worsen allergies. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
It is recommended to contact an expert if water is visible or coming from the outside. Don't put off leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first but you must also remove any old caulking before applying a new layer.
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 drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
If windows have double panes, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This helps to keep the gas from escaping between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down with time and allow water to get into the home.
Water stains on walls and ceiling are another sign of the presence of a leak. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated by water. There may also be peeling paint, which is a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are known in the UK) separated and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. They're mostly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. The good part is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.
First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that does not leave traces. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After you've cut the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying close focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Allow the paint to fully dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If you're experiencing a more severe problem such as cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, then it's probably 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 install an attached grid window. These windows are constructed of a complete glass pane that has a series 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 an easy method to modernize your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from leaking around the window frame. The majority of home centers sell aluminum drip cap options for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same function as a genuine mullion, or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash must be a signal that you must contact a professional. A damaged sash, left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing these is relatively simple and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that hold the sash in place. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash, and then pull it toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. To get access to the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove with care the parting strips that separate the sash.
Once you've removed the sash, you must make sure you compare its metal tabs to the ones on your new sash. If they're not the same it can be difficult to place the new one into its slot and affect how the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.
You'll need to inspect the frame of your window, too, for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a bigger issue.
If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can then restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements too.