10 Repair Window Tricks All Experts Recommend

When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is important to be cautious when repairing your windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a quick fix for a cracked window. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to pass through. If the cracks were caused by an collision (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, for example an abrupt change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are functioning correctly.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not damaged. It's an easy and affordable solution that can provide protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris and also keep out the elements.

However, if the crack is extensive or is getting worse, it's recommended to consult a professional. A professional glazier can determine the root of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

An impact crack is the most popular type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could compromise the gas that is between the panes of the double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually expand into full-blown break.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack, but it can still be repaired. It is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass If you're willing to go further than tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it never had cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window or that the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the house.

If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame it's best to contact a professional to help you with the repairs right away. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of mold and structural damage So don't leave them untreated.

In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first however, and then remove any old caulking before applying the new layer.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.

Check the seal between the double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, and let water leak into the house.

Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of the presence of a leak. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. 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, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in classic multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses tempered glass were available. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.

Most of the time it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle components.

Clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Then, remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to tape off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat.

If you have a more severe problem such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in middle of the window repair near me, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these cases you'll need to search for a replacement that matches the existing window in both the design and size.

Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows are made of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can find a variety of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same functions as a genuine mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for assistance. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and near other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, it is recommended to replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.

Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly hung sash cords. Fortunately, replacing them is quite simple and is possible in most double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the strip that divides the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords are.

It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different, it will be hard to place the new one in its place and affect how the sash functions. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at their correct places on the new window.

You'll need to inspect the frame of your window, too, for any damage or decay. It's a good idea check it regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you notice any visible damage it should be fixed as quickly as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can help to protect your window from the elements too.