When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when you are repairing windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a quick solution for a window that has cracked. This will prevent snow, rain and insects out of your home.
window repair near me that has cracked can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, like a baseball or soccer or a stress like a sudden temperature change, it is essential to have them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning effectively.
Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not damaged. This is a quick, low-cost solution to protect your window from dust, water, bugs and other debris. It also helps keep out the elements.
However, if the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, you should seek out a professional. A professional glazier can determine the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
An impact crack is the most popular type of window break typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually display an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous in the event that they become loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A pressure crack is a more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. It's usually a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could be a result of low or high air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass if you're willing go beyond 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 sturdy adhesive that can fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window appear like it did not have a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it may be time for a windows repair. The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can reduce indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the home.
If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame it's best to seek out a professional to help you with the repairs right away. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are a leading cause of structural damage and mold.
In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first but you must also get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes.
If windows are double-paned, you'll also need to examine the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This creates a barrier of gas between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down over time,, and allow water to leak into the house.
Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and causes discoloration. There may also be peeling paint as 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 called in the UK), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses tempered glass were available. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative feature in a few older homes.
Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can be damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle and decaying parts.
Clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave a residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Then, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying close focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If the issue is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these instances, you'll need to look for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both the design and size.
Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows come with a complete pane of glass that is topped with a series of muntins that are glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance. These windows aren't as energy-efficient as traditional ones.
If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, think about installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash and will provide you with the same functionality as an authentic muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to seek some help. A damaged sash, ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.
The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that hold the sash in place. Push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it. To get access to the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.
It's important that you examine the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to place the new sash into its correct slot and could affect how well the sash performs. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in their proper positions on your new window.
You'll need to inspect your window frame, too to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. If you find any visible damage, it must be addressed as soon as possible to prevent the development of a larger issue.
If your window frames are deteriorating and are in need of repair, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can then finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.