The Top Repair Window It's What Gurus Do 3 Things

When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to work carefully. First, put on a pair safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent glass shards from cutting you during your work.

An easy solution to a damaged window is to place a plastic covering over the crack. This will keep snow, rain and insects out of your home.

Cracked glass

Broken windows not only make your home appear less appealing but also allow drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball or a stress like the sudden temperature change, but it is essential to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows working effectively.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not broken. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs and other debris. It also shields your windows from the weather.

If the crack appears to be getting larger or is getting more large, it is recommended to speak with a professional. A professional glazier will determine the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most popular type of window break typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually display a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly as time passes, due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually expand into full-blown break.

A pressure crack is a more serious crack but it is still able to be repaired. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of high or low air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're willing to go a step beyond nail polish and tape there are several alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability. If you prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mildew and mold, which can create a range of problems for your home. They can affect the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your house.

It's best to call a professional if the water is visible or coming from the outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop the leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first though, and remove any old caulking before applying new caulking.

It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to remove 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 window and the metal frame. This helps to keep the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down with time and allow water to leak into the house.

Another sign of leaks is the appearance of water stains on ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated by moisture that weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint as a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are referred to in the UK) were a way to separate 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. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative feature 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 wind and cause cracks to the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying elements.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that does not leave traces. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window repairs frame. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.

If you have a more severe problem, such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in middle of the window it's likely to be best to replace the sash. In these instances, you'll need to look for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.

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

If you're looking for a simple method to upgrade your windows, think about installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. The majority of home centers sell aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same functions as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to seek assistance. A broken sash, if left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a broken sash you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and working.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and can be done in all double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that keep the sash in place. Push up on the side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to pull it out. To get access to the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove with care the strip of separation that separates the sash.

Once you've removed the sash, you must take the time to compare its metal tabs to the tabs on your new sash. If they're different it's difficult to put the new one in its place and impact how the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in the correct places on the new window.

You'll need to check your window frame as well for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and wear down over time. If you notice any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the development of a larger issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have 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 high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.