10 Healthy Repair Window Habits

When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, you must be careful when working. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple solution for a window that has cracked. This will keep snow, rain and insects from getting into your home.

Cracked glass

Glass that is cracked not only make your home look less appealing however, it could let drafts and other elements to enter the house. If the cracks were caused by an collision (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, such as an abrupt temperature change it is crucial to have them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are functioning correctly.

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

However, if the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's best to seek out an expert. A glazier who is experienced can identify the root of the problem and recommend a suitable repair method.

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 usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could compromise the gas between the panes of your double glaze repair-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into complete breaks.

A more serious but still feasible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and 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 go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide more protection and durability for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window look like it never had cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture and can cause various issues within your home. They can affect the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.

It's best to call an expert if the water is visible or leaking from outside. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural and mold damage, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop the leaks. Before applying the caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and take off any caulking you have already applied.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

Check the seal between your double glazed window repairs near me-paned windows and the frame made of metal. This helps to keep the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away with time and allow water to get into the home.

Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indicator of the presence of a leak. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture, which weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and tearing it away 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. After WWII larger expanses of tempered glass were available. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying parts.

First, clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat.

If the issue is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these instances, you'll need to look for a replacement that matches the existing window in both style and size.

Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows have a full pane of glass with the muntins being attached to the surface, giving them a divided look. These windows are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, think about installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps made of aluminum for around $20. They're a lot easier to install than a replacement window sash and come with the same functions as a real muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a signal that you must contact a professional. If left unchecked, a broken sash can cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, it is recommended to replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly installed the sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and is possible in most double-hung windows repair. First, you'll need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Press upwards on the side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to pull it out. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that separates the sash from the other to allow access to the area where the sash cords reside.

After you've removed the sash, you must make sure you compare its metal tabs to the ones on your new sash. If they're different it can be difficult to insert the new one into its slot and affect how the sash operates. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing tabs in their proper locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine your window frame for any problems or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down over time. If you notice any visible damage it should be repaired as soon as you can to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative created using half mineral spirits and half boiled linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements as well.