Repair Window Tips From The Top In The Business

When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when fixing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.
A quick fix for a window that is broken is to apply a plastic cover over the crack. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked glass can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to pass through. Whether the cracks were caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, like a sudden change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are functioning correctly.
If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy solution is to use clear tape to cover it. This is a quick, low-cost solution to protect your window from water, dust bugs, and other debris. It also shields your windows from the weather.
If the crack is becoming bigger or is extensive, it is best to speak with a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.
An impact crack is the most common type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually expand into full-blown break.
A more serious but still doable crack is a pressure crack. It's usually a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window. It can be the result of high or low air pressure, which can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.
If you're looking to take a step beyond nail polish and tape there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you prefer to make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp zone under your window, or the wood surrounding it is soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mildew and mold, which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen symptoms of allergies. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the house.
If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame, it's a good idea to seek out a professional to help you repair the issue immediately. Don't put off leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.
In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking.
Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater, but they can also become blocked in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
Check the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. As time passes, the seal can be worn out and allow water into your home.
Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These occur when wall is soaked with moisture that weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars as they are called in the UK) separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're mainly used as decorative elements in some older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to one support or a small portion of them, resulting in cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle and decaying parts.
Clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.
If you're dealing with an even more serious issue like cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, it's likely to be best to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both style and size.
Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows are constructed of a glass pane with a series muntins that are glued on the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. These windows are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.
Installing a drip cap can stop water from getting into the window frame. window repair near me of home centers sell drip caps in aluminum for about $20. They're much easier to install than windowsash replacements, and they'll provide you with the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a sign that you must contact a professional. A sash that is broken ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or improperly installed the sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Press upwards on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to take it off. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash.
It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different, it can be difficult to put the new sash in its proper place and could affect how well the sash functions. Fortunately, this issue can be fixed by placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also have to examine your window frame for any damage or rot. It's recommended to do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames are deteriorating, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can restore your frames using a high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.