When It’s Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, you must work with care. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.
A quick fix for a broken window is to place a plastic covering over the crack. This will stop insects, snow, and rain from entering the home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked not only make your home appear less appealing, but it can let drafts and other elements to enter the house. Whether the cracks were caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, for example an abrupt change in temperature it is crucial to have them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are working effectively.
If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy solution is to use clear tape to cover it. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from water, dust, bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the weather.
If the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, you should seek out an expert. An experienced glazier can determine the root cause of the crack and suggest a suitable upvc repair method.
An impact crack is the most frequent type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking 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. If you have double pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect your window replacement near me‘s energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A more serious, but feasible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is typically a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window. It can be the result of low or high air pressure, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass If you’re willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you’d rather make it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and window Doctor prevent further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at all.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window or the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture and can cause a number of problems within your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can even increase the severity of allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame it’s best to contact an expert to assist you with the repairs immediately. Don’t put off leaking windows. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all you need to stop the leaks. Before applying the caulking, you’ll have clean the area and take off any caulking that is in place.
Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They’re designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time.
If windows are double-paned, you’ll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal may wear out and allow water into your home.
The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indicator of leaks. These occur when wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. There may also be peeling paint as a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and tearing 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 traditional multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII They went out of fashion. They’re used only as a decorative feature in a few older homes.
Wind or rain can damage the support of a single piece or small group of them, creating cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle elements.
First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that will not leave residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter’s masking tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Now, you’re able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying close focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first go. Allow the paint to fully dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If you’re experiencing an issue that is more serious such as a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window it’s recommended to replace the sash. In these instances it is essential to locate an alternative window that is in line with the design and size of the existing one.
If you want to save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a complete glass pane, with a set of muntins that are glued on the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They’re not as efficient as traditional windows, however.
Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering the Window Doctor frame. The majority of home centers sell aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same function as a real mullion or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash must be a signal that you need to call for help. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you’ve broken a sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.
Often, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed cords for sash. It’s simple to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. First, you’ll need to take off the metal tabs holding the sash. To do this 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 of separation that divides the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords reside.
It’s important that you check the metal tabs on the old sash to the new one. If they’re different it’s difficult to put the new one in its slot and affect how the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their proper locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you’ll be required to inspect your window frame for any damage or decay. It’s a good idea perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, especially with exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames are in bad 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 has dried for two days, you can re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will protect your window from the elements too.