When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when repairing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.
A quick solution to a damaged window is to put a plastic covering over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects from getting into the home.
Glass that has cracked
Cracked glass can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, like soccer or a baseball or a stress like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and to ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not broken. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris and keep out the weather.
However, if the crack is extensive or is getting worse, you should consult a professional. An experienced glazier can determine the root of the problem and suggest a suitable repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your windows.
Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. Dagenham double glazing repair begin near the edges of your window, and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A more serious but still feasible crack is the pressure crack. This is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It could 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 If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will offer a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you 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 a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood around it appears weak or rotting, it might be time to replace your windows. Excessive moisture creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew which can create a range of issues for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
It's best to call an expert if the water is visible or coming from the outside. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of structural damage and mold, so don't leave them untreated.
In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop the leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first though, and get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking.
Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.
If windows have double panes, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. The seal may wear away over time, however, and allow water to enter the home.
Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars as they are called 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 mainly used as decorative elements in some older homes.
Often, a single or small group of these wooden supports may get damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying parts.
First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. Once you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Let the paint completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the issue is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these instances you'll need 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 cheaper alternative. These windows are made of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, consider installing a new drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same functions as a real mullion or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for some help. A damaged sash, not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a broken sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and working.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed the sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. It is important to remove the strip that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords are.
It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're not the same, it will be hard to place the new one in its slot and affect how the sash operates. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in the correct places on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your window for damage or decay. It's recommended to do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you find any visible damage it should be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.
If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made using half mineral spirits and half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements as well.