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 cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to stop glass shards from cutting you during your work.
A quick fix for a window that is broken is to apply an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked window glass not only makes your home less attractive 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 a baseball or stress, such as a sudden temperature change, it is essential to have them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning correctly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it's not damaged. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from dust, water bugs, and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements.
If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become deep, it is advised to seek advice from an expert. A skilled glazier can identify the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They typically occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be risky if they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually as time passes because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edge of your window and eventually can develop into complete breaks.
A more serious but feasible crack is the pressure crack. This is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.
If you're ready to take a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear like it never had any cracks in it at all.
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it could be time for a windows repair. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to numerous issues in your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's best to get a professional to assist to fix the problem immediately. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of structural damage and mold and should not be left untreated.
In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is all you need to stop the leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area, though, and take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.
Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.
Examine the seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and allow water to leak into the house.
Another indication of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are referred to in the UK) separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses tempered glass were available. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle parts.
Clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Then, remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat.
If you're experiencing a more severe problem like cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, it's likely to be best to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the existing one.
Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows consist of a glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however.
Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering 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 window sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a real mullion or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to get assistance. If it's not checked, a damaged sash could cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.
It's important that you compare the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're different, it will be difficult to insert the new sash in its correct slot and could impact how the sash functions. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect your window frame for any damage or rot. double glazing repair Aylesbury 's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and break down over time. You should repair any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created using half mineral spirits and half boiled linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can help to protect your window from the elements too.