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 shattering.

An easy fix for a window that is broken is to place an aluminum cover over the crack. This will stop rain, snow and Lock insects from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, such as a sudden change in temperature it is crucial to have them repaired as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are functioning correctly.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from water, dust bugs and other particles and also keep out the weather.

If the crack is becoming larger or has become extensive, it is best to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

A crack caused by an impact is the most popular kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard 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 could be dangerous if they come loose. If you have double glazing Barnet-pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your windows.

Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops because of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and can progress to full-blown cracks.

A more serious but feasible crack is the pressure crack. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could be a result of low or high air pressure, which can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

If you're willing to go further than tape and nail polish, there are a few alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window appear like it did not have cracks in the first place!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture, which can lead to numerous issues in your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the house.

It is best to call an expert if water is visible or leaking from the outside. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of mold and structural damage and should not be left untreated.

In many instances, a single layer of caulking is all you need to stop the leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have clean the area and take off any caulking you have already applied.

You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris over time.

If windows have double glazing repair Barnet panes, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, lock and allow water to leak into the house.

Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are called in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. They're used only as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to one support or a small group of them, creating an opening in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.

First, clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If you have an issue that is more serious, such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in middle of the window then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these situations it's crucial to find a replacement window that matches the design and size of the present one.

Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows are constructed of a full 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, however.

If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at the majority of home centers for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same functions as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a signal that you should seek help. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. Push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to take it off. It is important to remove the strip that divides the sash from the other to allow access to the area where the sash cords are.

After you've removed the sash, you must make sure you compare its metal tabs to those of the new sash. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to put the new sash into its proper place and could affect how well the sash performs. This can be easily fixed by putting the tabs in their proper positions on your new window.

You'll need to check your window frame as well, for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and break down over time. You should repair any visible damage as fast as you can, to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you can refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will protect your window from the elements too.