When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, you must work carefully. First, wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from slicing you while you work.
An easy fix for a window that is broken is to apply an aluminum cover over the crack. This will stop snow, rain and insects from getting into your home.
Glass that has cracked
Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, like soccer or baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.
Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it is not damaged. It's a cheap and simple solution that can provide protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters, as well as keeping out the weather.
If the crack is getting bigger or is deep, it is advised to seek advice from a professional. A glazier who is experienced can identify the root of the problem and recommend a suitable repair method.
Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They usually occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks usually have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when they break loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect your window's energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and can progress to complete breaks.
A pressure crack is a much more serious crack but it is still able to be repaired. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be the result of high or low air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.
If you're ready to take a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are a few other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it did not have cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp zone under your window, or the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. In excess moisture, it creates a breeding ground for mildew and mold, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and even worsen allergies. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the house.
It is recommended to contact an expert if the water is visible or leaking from outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is enough to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and get rid of any caulking you have already applied.
Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.
If windows have double panes, you'll also need to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. Over time the seal will be worn out and allow water into your home.
Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are known in the UK) separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. They're used only as a decorative element in some older homes.
The effects of rain or wind can harm a single support or a small portion of them, resulting in a crack in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle elements.
Clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If you have a more severe problem such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.
Installing grid windows is a more affordable 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. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.
If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash and will provide you with the same functions as an authentic mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to get some help. If it's not checked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, it is recommended to replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is sealed.
The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. Fortunately, replacing them is fairly easy and can be done in all double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. To do this push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. To get access to the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip of separation that separates the sash.
It's important that you check the metal tabs on the old sash with the new one. If they're different, it will be difficult to put the new sash in its proper slot and will impact how the sash functions. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your windows for damage or decay. It's recommended to check it regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, especially with exposure to the elements. If you notice any visible damage, it must be addressed as soon as possible to prevent an even bigger issue from arising.
If your window frames are deteriorating, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created with half mineral spirits and boiling in linseed. After double glazing repairs Streatham is dry, you can refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.