The Reasons Repair Window Is Harder Than You Imagine

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When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's important to work carefully. First, you should wear a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to stop glass shards from cutting you during your work.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a quick fix for a cracked window. This will prevent insects, snow, and rain from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked glass can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, such as soccer or a baseball or stress, such as the sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working effectively.

If your window is cracked but not broken, a simple fix is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris and keep out the elements.

If the crack is getting larger or has become extensive, it is best to consult with an expert. A glazier who is experienced can identify the root of the problem and recommend an appropriate repair method.

An impact crack is the most popular kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous if they become loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect your window's energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks.

A more serious, but possible crack is the pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of high or low air pressure, which could cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass If you're willing to go further than tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window or that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture which can cause numerous issues in your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.

It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or coming from outside. Don't put off leaking windows. They're a major cause of structural damage and mold.

In many instances, a single layer of caulking is all you need to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area, though, and get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking.

Check the weepholes of the frame for any debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time.

Check the seal between the double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help maintain a seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal may wear away with time and allow water to get into the home.

Water stains on walls and ceiling are another indicator of leaks. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. Since the larger 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 a few older homes.

Wind or rain can damage a single support or a small portion of them, resulting in cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying components.

Clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After you've cut the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to fully dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If you have an issue that is more serious such as cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these instances it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the present one.

To save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with muntins that are glued to the surface creating a divided look. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

Installing a drip cap can stop water from getting into the window frame. You can find a variety of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same functionality as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time for assistance. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and working.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is relatively simple and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that secure the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash, and then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To get access to the sash cords, you'll need to remove the strip that separates the sash.

It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're different it's difficult to insert the new one in its slot and affect how the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.

You'll need to inspect your window frame, too, for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames have deteriorated they can be treated with a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with the window repairs finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.