When It’s Time to Repair Windows
It’s important to be careful when repairing your windows. First, wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from cutting you during your work.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is an easy fix for a cracked window. This will keep rain, snow and insects from getting into the home.
Glass that has cracked
Cracked window glass not only makes your home look less appealing, but it can also let drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn’t matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, like soccer or baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.
If your window is cracked but not broken, an easy solution is to use clear tape to cover it. It’s a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from dust, water bugs and other particles and keep out the weather.
If the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, it’s best to consult an expert. An experienced glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most popular kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could affect the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edge of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks.
A pressure crack is a more severe crack but it is still able to be fixed. This is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.
If you’re willing to go a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are several other products that can be used to repair 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 method, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window doctor near Me look like it never had cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp area under your window or the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions which can cause various issues within your home. They can decrease the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the home.
It’s best to call an expert if the water is visible or coming from outside. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are a leading cause of structural damage and mold.
In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is all you need to stop the leaks. You’ll need to carefully clean the area first however, window Doctor Near me and then 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 blocked with debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned windows and the frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal will be worn out and allow water to enter your home.
Another sign of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator 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 known in the UK), separated and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. Today, they’re mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.
First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that does not leave traces. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window doctor near me muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter’s masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that 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 issue is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it’s best to replace the sash. In these cases, you’ll need to look for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both the design and size.
For a less expensive alternative, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows have a full pane of glass with muntins that are glued to the surface creating a divided look. They’re not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however.
Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering the window frame. You can find a variety of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They’re much easier to install than an alternative window sash, and they’ll provide you with the same functions as an authentic muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it’s time to get assistance. A broken sash, if 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 as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.
Often, the problem is caused by worn out or improperly installed the sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and can be done in most double-hung windows. You’ll first need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Then, push up on the other side of the sash (it isn’t important which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to pull it out. To reach the cords for the sash, you’ll have to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.
After you’ve removed the sash, it’s important to make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of the new sash. If they are different it may be difficult to put the new sash in its proper slot and will impact how the sash performs. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing tabs in their proper places on your new window.
You’ll need to check your window frame as well to look for any signs of damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. If you notice any visible damage it should be fixed as quickly 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 with half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment has dried for Window doctor near Me two full days, you can re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can help to protect your window from the elements too.