Repair Window Tips From The Best In The Industry

When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a quick fix for a cracked window. This will stop rain, snow and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Broken windows not only makes your home appear less appealing however, it could let drafts and other elements to enter the home. If the cracks were caused by an collision (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, for example a sudden change in temperature it is crucial to have them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are operating correctly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it's not broken. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from dust, water bugs and other sand. It also helps keep out the elements.
If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is large, it is recommended to seek advice from an expert. An experienced glazier can identify the root of the problem and recommend a suitable repair procedure.
An impact crack is the most popular kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when they break loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your windows.
Another kind of crack is a stress crack which develops gradually over time because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and can eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A more serious but still doable crack is the pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of the window. It could be a 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. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY route, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window look like it did not have a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it could be time for a windows repair. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew which can create a range of issues for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can even worsen allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
It's best to call an expert if water is visible or leaking from the outside. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. 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 however, and then remove any old caulking before applying new caulking.
Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time.
If windows have double panes, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. The seal may wear away with time and let water enter the home.
Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated by water. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and tearing 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 traditional multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Often, a single or small group of these wooden supports may be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying components.
First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that doesn't leave any residue. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close attention to the areas that were lightly coated on the first pass. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If you're experiencing a more severe problem like cracks that form an hourglass shape in center of the window, it's likely to be better to replace the sash. In these instances you'll need to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of style and size.
If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows have a full pane of glass with a series of muntins attached to the surface creating a divided look. These windows are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.
Installing a drip-cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They're much simpler to install than an alternative window sash and will provide you with the same function as a real mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a sign that you must seek help. If not taken repair window of, 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 working.
Often, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed cords for sash. It is easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove tabs made of metal that hold 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 in order to take it off. To get repairs to upvc windows to the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip of separation that separates the sash.
It's important that you compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're different, it will be difficult to insert the new sash into its proper slot and will impact how the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in their correct places on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your window for problems or decay. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and break down as time passes. It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a bigger issue.
If your window frames are deteriorating and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created with half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can refinish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements too.