When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to work with care. First, wear a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to stop glass shards from cutting you as you work.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window. This will stop rain, snow and insects from getting into your home.

Glass that has cracked

Cracked window glass not only makes your home appear less appealing however, it could also let 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 the result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are operating effectively.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it's not broken. It's a cheap and simple solution that will provide some protection from dust, water, bugs and other debris, as well as keeping out the weather.

However, if the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's recommended to consult an expert. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

Impact cracks are the most popular kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could affect the gas in the panes of your double glazing-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly over time because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious but doable crack is the pressure crack. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could be the result of low or high air pressure, which can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

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

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen symptoms of allergies. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house.

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

In many instances, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have clean the area and take off any caulking you have already applied.

It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to make sure 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.

Check the seal between your double glazing-paned window and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a gas barrier between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down with time and let water leak into the house.

Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of leaks. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering 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 glass panes in classic multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative feature in a few older homes.

The effects of rain or wind can harm the support of a single piece or small group of them, creating cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying components.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that will not leave residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying special focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint completely dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If you're experiencing a more severe problem like cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, then it's probably better to replace the sash. In these instances, you'll need to look for a replacement that matches the window doctor that is in place in terms of the design and size.

Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows have a full pane of glass, with muntins that are attached to the surface creating a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, consider installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from getting into the window frame. The majority of home centers sell aluminum drip cap options for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a signal that you must contact a professional. If not taken care of the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and functioning.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung the sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is relatively simple and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. 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 to remove it. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the location where the sash cords reside.

Once you've removed the sash, be sure to compare its metal tabs to those of the new sash. If they're not the same it can be difficult to put the new one in its place and impact how the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.

You'll have to examine your window frame, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's a good idea to check it regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, especially with exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated with a homemade preserver created from half mineral spirits and boiled linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.