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When It's Time to Repair Windows It's important to be careful when fixing your windows. First, you should wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from cutting you during your work. A quick solution to a damaged window is to place an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep insects, snow and rain from entering your home. Cracked Glass Cracked window glass not only makes your home appear less appealing however, it could let drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact like soccer or a baseball, or stress, like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning effectively. If your window is cracked, but not broken, a quick solution is to apply clear tape to it. It's an easy and affordable solution that can provide protection from dust, water, bugs and other debris, as well as keeping out the elements. If the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's best to seek out a professional. An experienced glazier can determine the root cause of the crack and suggest 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 accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your windows. Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks. A more serious, but possible crack is the pressure crack. This is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by high or low 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 several other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window look like it did not have cracks in the first place! Leaking Windows If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood around it is weak or rotting, it might be time to repair your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture and can cause various issues within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can worsen allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home. It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or coming from outside. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage. In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area, however, and then 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 ensure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris. Check the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help maintain a seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. As time passes, the seal can get worn out and let water into your home. Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting 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 called in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII They went out of fashion. Nowadays, they're 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 wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying components. First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let the paint completely dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat. If window repairs Woking experiencing a more severe problem such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in middle of the window, it's likely to be best to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the current one. Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows come with a complete pane of glass with muntins that are glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows. If you're looking for a simple method to upgrade your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can find a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functions as a real mullion or muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A broken window sash should be a sign that you should call for help. If left unchecked the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed. Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed cords for sash. It is easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. Press upwards on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to pull it out. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash. After you've removed your sash, it's important to make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to the tabs on your new sash. If they're different it can be difficult to place the new one in its slot and could affect the way it operates. Luckily, this is easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window. You'll need to check your window frame as well for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to do this regularly as wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, especially with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as fast as you can, to avoid a more serious issue. If your window frames are deteriorating they can be treated using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements, too.