10 Unexpected Repair Window Tips
When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when you are repairing windows. First, you should put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to stop glass shards from cutting you as you work.
A quick fix for a broken window is to apply a plastic cover over the crack. This will stop rain, snow and insects from entering the home.
Cracked Glass
Broken windows not only make your home look less appealing but also allow drafts and other elements into the home. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, like soccer or a baseball or stress, such as the sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working correctly.
If your window is cracked but not broken, an easy fix is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a cheap and simple solution that provides protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters and keep out the elements.
If the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, you should consult an expert. A skilled glazier can determine the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair method.
Impact cracks are the most frequent type of window break typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and broken pieces that could be dangerous if they come loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact your window's energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress crack which develops gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A more serious but still feasible crack is the pressure crack. It's usually a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of the window. It can be the result of high or low air pressure, which can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
If you're ready to take a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are several other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window look like it never had cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window or that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it might be time to replace your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions, which can lead to various issues within your home. They can decrease the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
It is recommended to contact an expert if water is visible or coming from the outside. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.
In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, broken however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time.
Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This creates a gas barrier between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away over time,, and let water get into the home.
The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of the presence of a leak. These occur when wall is soaked with moisture that weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting 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), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. They're mainly used as decorative elements in some older homes.
Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports can be damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle parts.
First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that will not leave residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window repairs near me muntins with an exacta knife. After you've cut the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Let the paint completely dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with both the style and size of the present one.
Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows come with a complete pane of glass with the muntins being attached to the surface creating a divided look. These windows aren't as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.
If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. Most home centers sell these aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same functionality as a real mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to seek assistance. If it's not checked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks 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 sealed and operating.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash and then pull it toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. To access the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.
It is crucial to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they are different it may be difficult to place the new sash in its correct slot and could affect how well the sash functions. This can be corrected by putting the tabs in their correct positions on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also have to examine the frame of your upvc window repair for damage or decay. It's a good idea to check it regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements too.
