What Experts Say You Should Be Able To

When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, it's essential to be careful when working. First, you should wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to stop glass shards from cutting you as you work.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window. This will prevent insects, snow, and rain from entering the home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and let drafts to get in. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature drop, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning effectively.
Use clear tape to cover your damaged window, even if it's not damaged. It's a cheap and simple solution that can provide protection from dust, water, bugs and other debris and also keep out the weather.
If the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to consult a professional. An experienced glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a solid object hits your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous in the event that they become loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your windows.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edge of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A pressure crack is a much more serious crack however it can be fixed. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of the window. upvc window repairs could be the result of high or low air pressure, which can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide more protection and longevity for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it did not have a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window or that the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions which can cause a number of problems within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can 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 coming from the outside. Don't put off leaking windows. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.
In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first, though, and get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking.
It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris over time.
If windows are double-paned, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This creates a gas barrier between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal will be worn out and allow water to enter your home.
Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture that weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint caused by the effects of water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in classic multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mostly used as a decorative feature in a few older homes.
Often, a single or small group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.
Clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Then, take off any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Then, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying close attention to the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Allow the paint to completely dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find a replacement window that matches the design and size of the present one.
If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a complete glass pane, with a set of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however.
If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash and come with the same functionality as a genuine muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a sign that you need to seek help. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.
Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung the sash cords. Luckily, replacing these is quite simple and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that secure the sash. Push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to take it off. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.
After you've removed the sash, it's important to take the time to compare its metal tabs to the tabs on your new sash. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to insert the new sash in its proper place and could impact how the sash functions. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing tabs in their proper locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your window for problems or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down over time. If you find any obvious damage, it should be addressed as soon as you can to avoid a bigger problem from developing.
If your window frames have begun to deteriorate, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiled linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A new coat of paint can protect your window from the elements, too.