When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is important to be cautious when you are repairing windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. This will keep snow, rain, and insects from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked not only make your home less attractive however, it could also allow drafts and other elements to enter the house. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, like soccer or a baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature change, it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows working properly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, a simple fix is to use clear tape to cover it. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from water, dust bugs and other debris. It also shields your windows from the weather.

If the crack is getting larger or has become deep, it is advised to speak with a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.

An impact crack is the most common type of window break typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. The crack could affect the gas that is between the panes of the double glazing repair Dulwich-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops because of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and can eventually grow into complete breaks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack however it can be repaired. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of the window. It can be the result of high or low air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion 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 Double glazing Repairs Weybridge tape. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to DIY epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window or that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture which can cause numerous issues in your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can even worsen allergies. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the structure of the 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. Don't ignore leaking windows. They're a major 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 need clean the area and remove any caulking you have already applied.

It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes.

Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. As time passes, the seal can wear out and allow water into your home.

Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling 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. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. They're used only as decorative elements in some older homes.

Often, a single or small group of these wooden supports may get damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.

Clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Then, take off any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to 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 first pass. Let the paint completely dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you're experiencing an even more serious issue like a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, it's likely to be best to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.

Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows have a full pane of glass with the muntins being attached to the surface which gives them a split appearance. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They're much simpler to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same function as an authentic mullion or double glazing repairs Weybridge muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it's time for some help. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a broken sash you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and working.

Often, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly hung cords for sash. It's simple to replace these cords on the majority of Double Glazing Repairs Weybridge-hung window models. You'll first need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Push up on the side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to remove it. To reach the cords for the sash, you'll have to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.

It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're not the same, it will be hard to put the new one in its slot and affect how the sash operates. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.

You'll need to inspect the frame of your window, too, for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and break down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made using half mineral spirits and half boiling the 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 also shield your window from the elements.