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 goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent glass shards from cutting you as you work.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. This will keep rain, snow and insects from entering your home.
Cracked glass
Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows working correctly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window, even if it's not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris, as well as keeping out the elements.
If the crack is becoming larger or is getting more extensive, it is best to speak with an expert. window repair Wokingham can determine the root cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair method.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They usually occur when a sharp object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually display an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous if they become loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress crack which develops gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. The cracks start around the edge of your window and can progress to full-blown breaks.
A pressure crack is a much more serious crack but it is still able to be fixed. This is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by low or high pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
If you're looking to take a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are a few other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather do it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can create a range of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can worsen allergies. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
It's best to call an expert if water is visible or comes from the outside. Don't put off leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is enough to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first, however, and then remove any old caulking before applying a new layer.
You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris as time passes.
If windows are double-paned You'll also have to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal will wear out and allow water into your home.
Another indication of a leak is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint caused by the effects 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 traditional multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to one support or a small group, leaving an opening in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle parts.
First, clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If you have an issue that is more serious such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in the middle of the window it's best to replace the sash. In these instances, it's important to find a replacement window that matches both the style and size of the current one.
Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows come with a complete pane of glass with muntins that are that are glued to the surface which gives them a split look. These windows are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.
If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same functions as a genuine mullion or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time for assistance. If left unchecked the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems 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.
Often, the problem is caused by worn out or improperly installed cords for sash. Fortunately, replacing them is quite simple and can be done in the majority of double-hung windows. First, you'll need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to remove it. To get access to the cords of the sash, you'll need to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash.
It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same it's difficult to put the new one in its place and affect how the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing tabs in the correct locations on your new window.
You'll have to examine your window frame as well for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. If you find any obvious damage, it should be repaired as soon as you can to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.
If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created with half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can finish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.
