When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows are in need of repair, you must work carefully. The first step is to wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from cutting you as you work.
A quick fix for a broken window is to put a plastic cover over the crack. This will stop rain, snow and insects out of your home.
Glass that has cracked
Cracked window glass not only makes your home appear less appealing but also allow drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or baseball or a stress like an abrupt temperature change, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning effectively.
If your window is cracked, but not broken, a simple solution is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that will provide some protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris, as well as keeping out the weather.
If the crack is extensive or is getting worse, you should seek out an expert. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the root of the problem and recommend a suitable repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most common kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually display an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous when they break loose. The crack could affect the gas that is between the panes of the double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and can eventually grow into full-blown breaks.
A more serious but still doable crack is the pressure crack. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of high or low air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it did not have a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair . Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions, which can lead to a number of problems within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and even increase the severity of allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to seek out a professional to assist repair the issue immediately. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural and mold damage So don't leave them untreated.
In many instances, a single layer of caulking is enough to stop the leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll have to clean the area and get rid of any caulking that is in place.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater but can become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.
Check the seal between your double-paned windows and the frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down with time and let water get into the home.
Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These occur when wall is soaked with 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 called in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Wind or rain can damage the support of a single piece or small group, leaving a crack in the window. The good part is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.
Clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. 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 then, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these cases you'll need to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of style and size.
For a less expensive alternative you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows have a full pane of glass with muntins that are that are glued to the surface creating a divided look. They are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.
Installing a drip cap can stop water from entering the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash and will provide you with the same functionality as a genuine mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for assistance. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a broken sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed the sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to remove it. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.
After you've removed your sash, you must make sure you compare its metal tabs to the ones on your new sash. If they're not the same it can be difficult to insert the new one into its slot and impact how the sash operates. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in their correct places on the new window.
You'll need to check your window frame, too to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's a good idea to check it regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a more serious issue.
If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created using half mineral spirits and half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements, as well.