When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when repairing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.
A quick fix for a broken window is to put a plastic cover over the crack. This will stop insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home.
Glass that has cracked
Broken windows not only makes your home appear less appealing but let drafts and other elements into the house. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, such as an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them repaired as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning properly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it's not broken. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from dust, water bugs, and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements.
However, if the crack is extensive or is getting worse, you should consult a professional. A glazier who is experienced can identify the root of the problem and recommend a suitable 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 fracture it. These cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your windows.
Another type of crack is a stress crack which can develop gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edge of your window and eventually can develop into complete breaks.
A more serious but still possible crack is one that is a pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be the result of low or high air pressure, which can cause contraction or expansion 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. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window appear like it has never had cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you see a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it could be time to start a windows repair. The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can affect the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house.
If the water is coming in from the outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to contact a professional to help you repair the issue right away. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.
In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all that's needed to stop the leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area, however, and then remove any old caulking before applying new caulking.
It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This creates the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal may get worn out and let water into your home.
Another sign of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is soaked with water. You might also find peeling paint as a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing 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. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.
Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports can get damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components.
Clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife 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. Apply window repair of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.
If the issue is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the existing window in both the design and size.
Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows are made of a glass pane, with a set of muntins that are glued on the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. These windows are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.
If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, you should 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 are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time for some help. A broken sash, if left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, it is recommended to replace it immediately to ensure that the window is sealed.
The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash and then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the strip of separation that divides the sash from the other to allow access to the location where the sash cords are.
After you've removed the sash, it's important to take the time to compare its metal tabs to the tabs on the new sash. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to place the new sash in its proper slot and will impact how the sash performs. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing tabs in their proper locations on your new window.
You'll need to inspect your window frame, too to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood shrinks and wears down over time. If you find any visible damage, it must be fixed as quickly as possible to prevent an even bigger issue from arising.
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 is dry, you can finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements as well.