Why Everyone Is Talking About Repair Window Right Now

When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work with care. The first step is to put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to stop glass shards from cutting you as you work.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy fix for a damaged window. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from getting into the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing 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 a result of stress, such as an abrupt temperature change, it's important to get them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows working correctly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, a quick solution is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and also keep out the elements.

If the crack is extensive or is getting worse, it's best to seek out an expert. A professional glazier will determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

A crack caused by an impact is the most common type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it. The cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your windows.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack which develops gradually over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. The cracks start around the edge of your window and eventually can develop into complete breaks.

A more serious but still feasible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It 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.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear like it never had any cracks at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness beneath your Window Doctor, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it may be time for a windows repair project. The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mildew and mold, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the house.

It is best to call an expert if water is visible or coming from the outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is enough to stop the leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first, though, and take off any caulking that is old before applying new caulking.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time with insect corpses or other debris.

Check the seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a gas barrier between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal may wear out and allow water into your home.

Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of leaks. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in traditional multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII They went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaners that will not leave residue. Take off any rotting or Window Doctor loose pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After you've cut the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that 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're dealing with an even more serious issue, such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in middle of the window then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.

Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows consist of a complete glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.

If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, think about installing an additional drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a sign that you should call for help. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung cords for sash. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in all double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off the metal tabs holding the sash. Then, push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to remove it. To reach the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.

It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they are different it can be difficult to put the new sash in its correct slot and could affect how well the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs at their correct places on the new window.

You'll have to examine the frame of your window, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. If you notice any visible damage it should be fixed as quickly as you can to avoid a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames are in poor Window Doctor condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window replacement from the elements.