When It’s Time to Repair Windows
It’s important to be careful when you are repairing windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.
A quick solution to a damaged window is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will prevent insects, snow and rain from entering the home.
Cracked Glass
Broken windows not only make your home less attractive, but it can also allow drafts and other elements into the house. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, such as a sudden change in temperature it is crucial to have them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are operating effectively.
Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it’s not damaged. It’s an easy and affordable solution that provides protection from water, dust bugs and other particles and also keep out the weather.
However, if the crack is severe or is getting worse, you should consult a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
Impact cracks are the most popular type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous in the event that they become loose. The crack could affect the gas that is between the panes of your double glazed window repairs Near me-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window and can progress to full-blown cracks.
A more serious but possible crack is the pressure crack. It is typically a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window and can be the result of high or low air pressure, which could cause contraction or expansion of the glass.
If you’re ready to take further than nail polish and tape, there are alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you’d prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window look like it has never had cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you see a damp spot under your window repairs near me, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it may be time for a windows repair project. Excessive moisture creates a breeding ground for mildew and mold, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can even worsen allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.
It’s best to call a professional if the water is visible or leaking from the outside. Don’t ignore leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is enough to stop leaks. You’ll need to thoroughly clean the area first, but you must also remove any old caulking before applying the 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 rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned windows and the frame made of metal. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and allow water to leak into the house.
The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indication of a leak. They occur when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. There may also be peeling paint, which is a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are called 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 fell out of fashion. They’re mainly used as a decorative feature in a few older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to the support of a single piece or small portion of them, resulting in an opening in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying parts.
First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that does not leave traces. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After you’ve cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter’s tape. Now, you’re able to apply a thick layer of white paint, paying particular attention to areas that were lightly coated on the first pass. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a 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 search for a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both the design and size.
Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows have a full pane of glass with the muntins being glued to the surface creating a divided look. These windows aren’t as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.
If you’re looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, consider installing a new drip cap in order to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same function as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a signal that you need to seek help. A damaged sash, left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you’ve got a damaged sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.
Often, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed the sash cords. Luckily, replacing these is quite simple and can be done in the majority of double-hung windows. To begin, you’ll need to take off the tabs of metal that keep the sash in place. Then, push up on the side of the sash (it isn’t important which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to remove it. You’ll need to remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords are.
After you’ve removed your sash, you must take the time to compare its metal tabs to the ones on the new sash. If they’re different, it will be hard to insert the new one into its slot and affect how the sash functions. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you’ll also be required to inspect the frame of your windows for double glazed window repairs near me damage or rot. 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 notice any obvious damage, it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing.
If your window frames are deteriorating and are in need of repair, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling in linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can restore your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.