When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when you are repairing windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.

An easy fix for a broken window is to place a plastic covering 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 it can also let drafts and other elements to enter the house. The cracks could be caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, for example a sudden change in temperature it is crucial to have them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning properly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it's not broken. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from dust, water bugs and other sand. It also shields your windows from the elements.

However, if the crack is large or is getting worse, it's best to seek out a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They typically occur when a sharp object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually display an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. If you have Double Glazing deptford-pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your windows.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and can eventually grow into complete breaks.

A more serious but still doable crack is one that is a pressure crack. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of low or high air pressure, which could cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will offer a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window appear like it did not have a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood around it appears soft or Double Glazing Deptford decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. Excessive moisture creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can decrease the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your house.

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

In many instances, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll need clean the area and get rid of any existing caulking.

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.

If you have double-paned windows it is also necessary to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help maintain a seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and let water enter the home.

Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated by water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering 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 referred to in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Then, take off any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.

If the problem is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window repairs Redhill, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these instances it's crucial to find an alternative window that is in line with the design and size of the existing one.

To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a complete glass pane that has a series of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.

If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps made of aluminum for around $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same function as a genuine mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a sign that you should contact a professional. If not taken care of, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've broken a sash you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and functioning.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed cords for sash. Luckily, replacing these is fairly easy and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to pull it out. It is important to remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other to allow access to the area where the sash cords are located.

It is important to check the metal tabs on the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same, it will be hard to insert the new one in its place and affect how the sash functions. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs at the correct places on the new window.

You'll need to inspect your window frame, too, for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and break down as time passes. It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as you can, to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made using half mineral spirits and half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you are able to refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements too.