When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when you are repairing windows. First, you should put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from slicing you while you work.

An easy fix for a window that is broken is to put a plastic covering over the crack. This will keep snow, rain and insects out of your home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked window glass not only makes your home look less appealing however, it could also let drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact like soccer or baseball or stress, such as a sudden temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning effectively.

If your window is cracked but not broken, a quick fix is to apply clear tape to it. It's a cheap and simple solution that will provide some protection from dust, water bugs and other particles and keep out the elements.

If the crack is becoming bigger or is extensive, it is best to consult with an expert. A professional glazier will determine the root of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

A crack caused by an impact is the most frequent type of window break typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually display an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break 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.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edge of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack but it is still able to be fixed. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It can be the result of high or low air pressure, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will offer a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd rather DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It will make your window appear as if 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 time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions which can cause a number of problems within your home. They can reduce the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall and even worsen symptoms of allergies. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.

It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or coming from the outside. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.

In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need clean the area and take off any caulking that is in place.

Check the weepholes of the frame for any debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.

Examine the seal between the double glazing Hitchin-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. The seal may wear away over time,, and let water enter the home.

Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indicator of leaks. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in classic multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're mainly used as decorative elements in a few 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 doesn't leave any residue. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to tape off the lower part of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a thick coat of white paint, paying close focus on the areas which were lightly coated on the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat.

If the problem is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances you'll need to search for a replacement that matches the existing window in both style and size.

Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows feature a complete pane of glass, with a series of muntins attached to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. These windows are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

If you're looking for a simple method to upgrade your windows, consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. The majority of home centers sell aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They're much simpler to install than a replacement window sash and come with the same function as a genuine muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you should contact a professional. If it's not checked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, Double Glazing Repairs Enfield water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords in most double Glazing repairs Enfield-hung window models. First, you'll need to take off the metal tabs holding the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull it toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

After you've removed the sash, it's important to take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to the tabs on your new sash. If they're different, it will be hard to put the new one in its slot and affect how the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in their proper places on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check your window frame for any problems or decay. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created using half mineral spirits and half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you can restore your frames using a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.