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When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when fixing your windows. First, you should put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to stop glass shards from cutting you during your work.
A quick fix for a broken window is to put a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent insects, snow and rain from entering the home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that has cracked can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to pass through. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt change in temperature it is crucial to have them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are operating correctly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window, even if it's not broken. This is a quick, low-cost solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs and other sand. It also helps keep out the elements.
If the crack appears to be getting larger or is getting more large, it is recommended to consult with an expert. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
Impact cracks are the most popular type of window break typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be dangerous if they come loose. The crack could affect the gas in the panes of the double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress crack, that develops slowly over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and can eventually grow into complete breaks.
A more serious but still possible crack is the pressure crack. It is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by high or low pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product such as 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 go the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window look like it never had a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness 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 excess moisture and can cause a number of problems within your home. They can decrease the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall, and can worsen symptoms of allergies. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to seek out a professional to help you with the repairs immediately. Leaking windows are among the main causes of mold and structural damage, so don't leave them untreated.
In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area, but you must also take off any caulking that is old before applying new caulking.
Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the frame. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down with time and let water get into the home.
Another sign of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated by water. There is also the possibility of peeling paint as a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing glass repair bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in the classic multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative feature in a few older homes.
Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.
First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Then, remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife trim 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 seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying special attention to areas that were lightly coated on the first go. Allow the paint to completely dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If you have an even more serious issue such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in the center of the window, it's likely to be recommended to replace the sash. In these cases it is essential to locate a replacement window that matches the design and size of the current one.
Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows have a full pane of glass that is topped with the muntins being that are glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.
Installing a drip-cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. They're a lot easier to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same function as an authentic muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a sign that you should contact a professional. If not taken care of, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a broken sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and functioning.
The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash, and then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.
Once you've removed the sash, it's important to be sure to examine its metal tabs against the ones on the new sash. If they're different, it can be difficult to insert the new sash in its proper slot and will affect how well the sash performs. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.
You'll need to inspect your window frame, too for any damage or rot. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a bigger issue.
If your window frames are in bad condition you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using a high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can protect your window from the elements, as well.