When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when you are repairing windows. First, put on a pair safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from cutting you during your work.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window. This will stop snow, rain and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked not only makes your home less attractive, but it can let drafts and other elements to enter the house. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, for example a sudden change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are functioning correctly.
If your window is cracked, but not broken, an easy fix is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a cheap and simple solution that can provide protection from water, dust bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the weather.
If the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, you should seek out a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair method.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They usually occur when a sharp object hits your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous if they become loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and impact your window's energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress crack, that develops slowly over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks.
A more serious but possible crack is a pressure crack. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of the window. It can be the result of low or high air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks at all.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions which 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.
If the water is coming from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to seek out a professional to help you with the repairs immediately. Don't ignore leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases, a thin caulking layer is all that's needed to stop the leaks. Before applying the caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and take off any existing caulking.
Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. window repairs are designed to remove rainwater, but they can also become blocked in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
If windows have double panes it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, and allow water to enter the home.
Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indicator of the presence of a leak. These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering 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 held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative feature in some older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to the support of a single piece or small group, leaving an opening in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components.
Clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a thick coat of white paint, paying close attention to the areas which were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.
If you're dealing with an even more serious issue such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in the middle of the window it's recommended to replace the sash. In these instances, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with both the style and size of the current one.
Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows consist of a full glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.
If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, consider installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same functionality as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for some help. If it's not checked the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.
The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and is possible in all double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that hold the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull it toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll need to remove the strip that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords reside.
It is crucial to check the metal tabs on the old sash to those of the new one. If they're not the same, it will be hard to insert the new one into its slot and affect how the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily corrected by simply placing tabs in their proper locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect the frame of your window for problems or decay. It's recommended to do this regularly as the wood shrinks and gets worn down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. If you find any visible damage, it must be addressed as soon as you can to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.
If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them using a homemade preserver made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you are able to finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.