When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when repairing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window. This will keep rain, snow and insects out of your home.

Cracked glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to enter. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like a baseball or install soccer ball) or are a result of stress, for example an abrupt temperature change it is crucial to have them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows working correctly.

If your window is cracked but not broken, an easy fix is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a cheap and simple solution that provides protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters and keep out the weather.

If the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, you should seek out a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They usually occur when a hard object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous in the event that they become loose. If you have double glazing repairs Kettering-pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your window's energy use.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack but it is still able to be repaired. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It can 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 when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window appear like it has never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window repairs Swanley or that the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture which can cause various issues within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can worsen allergies. If left unchecked they could 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 among the most common causes of mold and structural damage So don't leave them untreated.

In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll need to clean the area and remove any existing caulking.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. They are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

If windows are double-paned it is also necessary to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a barrier of gas between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away over time, however, and allow water to get into the home.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. There may also be peeling paint caused by the effects of the water weakening 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 were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since bigger 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.

Sometimes it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports could get damaged by rain or install wind, leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting elements.

First, clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.

If the problem is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these situations it's crucial to find the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the current one.

For a less expensive alternative, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass with muntins that are attached to the surface creating a divided look. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however.

If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap in order to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They're much simpler to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same functions as a real muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a sign that you should seek help. If left unchecked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or improperly installed cords for sash. Luckily, replacing these is relatively simple and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to take it off. To get access to the cords for the sash, you'll have to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.

Once you've removed the sash, you must take the time to examine its metal tabs against those of the new sash. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to insert the new sash into its proper place and could impact how the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in the correct places on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also have to examine your window frame for any problems or decay. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as fast as you can 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 from half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, as well.