When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is important to be cautious when fixing your windows. Wear safety glasses and window repair near me gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window. This will keep rain, snow and insects from entering the home.

Cracked glass

Cracked window glass not only makes your home appear less appealing however, it could also allow drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, such as soccer or a baseball, or stress, Window Repair Near me like the sudden temperature change, it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows working properly.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not broken. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to shield your window repair from water, dust bugs, and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements.

If the crack is getting larger or has become extensive, it is best to consult with a professional. A skilled glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair method.

An impact crack is the most frequent type of window break usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that could be risky if they break loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your windows.

Another type of crack is a stress crack, that develops slowly as time passes because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks.

A more serious, but possible crack is the pressure crack. It is a curvy straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by low or high pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it could be time to start a windows repair. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture and can cause various issues within your home. They can reduce indoor air quality, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.

It's best to call an expert if water is visible or leaking from the outside. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of structural damage and mold, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is all that's needed to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first but you must also get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer.

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

Check the seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This creates a gas barrier between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal will be worn out and allow water into your home.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past muntins (or glazing bars as they are referred to in the UK) separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Sometimes it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports can be damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle parts.

Clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. Once you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.

If you're dealing with an issue that is more serious, such as a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window then it's probably better to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find a replacement window that matches the style and size of the existing one.

Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows are made of a complete glass pane with a series muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows.

Installing a drip-cap will stop water from entering the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're much simpler to install than an alternative window sash and will provide you with the same functions as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time for some help. If not taken care of the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly hung cords for sash. Fortunately, replacing them is quite simple and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important 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 carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.

It is crucial to check the metal tabs on the old sash with the new one. If they're different, it will be hard to put the new one in its place and affect how the sash functions. This can be corrected by putting the tabs in their correct places on the new window.

You'll need to check your window repair near Me frame, too to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's recommended to check it regularly since wood shrinks and wears down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created from half mineral spirits and boiling in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will protect your window from the elements as well.