When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when repairing your windows. First, you should put on a pair safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent glass shards from cutting you as you work.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a quick fix for a cracked window. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from entering the home.
Cracked glass
Cracked glass can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to pass through. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are working correctly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not damaged. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to shield your window from water, dust, bugs, and other debris. It also helps keep out the weather.
If the crack is becoming bigger or is deep, it is advised to consult with a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They usually occur when a sharp object hits your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are typically with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be risky if they break loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your windows.
Another kind of crack is a stress crack which develops gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A more serious, but feasible crack is the pressure crack. It is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by low or high pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
If you're ready to take a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are a few alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather do it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It can make your window appear like 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 appears soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions which can cause various issues within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can even worsen allergies. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house.
If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame it's best to contact a professional to help you with the repairs right away. Leaking windows are among the most common causes of structural damage and mold So don't leave them untreated.
In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first, though, and get rid of any old caulking prior to applying a new layer.
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, but they could be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time.
Check the seal between your double-paned windows and the frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and allow water to enter the home.
The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indication of the presence of a leak. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. You might also find peeling paint caused by the effects of water destroying its adhesive properties 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 classic multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports can be damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.
First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that does not leave traces. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.
If the issue is more severe like an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these cases you'll need to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.
For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with a series of muntins glued to the surface creating a divided appearance. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows.
Installing a drip cap can stop water from getting into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They're much simpler to install than a replacement window sash and come with the same function 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 not taken care of, a broken sash can cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, it is recommended to replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.
Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly installed the sash cords. It's easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash and then pull it towards the opposite side to take it from the window frame. You'll need to remove the strip that separates the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords are.
After you've removed your sash, make sure you compare its metal tabs to the ones on your new sash. If they're not the same, it may be difficult to place the new sash into its proper place and could affect the way that the sash operates. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in their proper places on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your windows for problems or rot. It's a good idea do this regularly as wood shrinks and becomes less durable as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. Hackney window repairs is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a bigger issue.
If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative created by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you are able to re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.