When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, it's important to work carefully. The first step is to put on a pair safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to stop glass shards from cutting you as you work.
An easy solution to a damaged window is to apply an aluminum cover over the crack. This will stop rain, snow and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked window glass not only make your home look less appealing but also allow drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, like soccer or a baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature change, but it is essential to have them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning properly.
If your window is cracked but not broken, a quick solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from dust, water, bugs and other debris. Leatherhead double glazing shields your windows from the weather.
However, if the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, it's best to consult an expert. A professional glazier will determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
An impact crack is the most frequent type of window break typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines and broken 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, which can affect the efficiency of your window's energy use.
Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A more serious, but possible crack is a pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window. It could be the result of low or high air pressure, which can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and longevity for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it has never had a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. The excess moisture can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergy symptoms. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to contact a professional to assist to fix the problem right away. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.
In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have to clean the area and get rid of any existing caulking.
Examine the weepholes on the frame for any debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.
If you have double-paned windows it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. As time passes, the seal can get worn out and let water to enter your home.
Another indication of a leak is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. There may also be peeling paint, which is a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses tempered glass were available. They're used only as a decorative feature in a few older homes.
Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting elements.
First, clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a 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 then, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.
If you're experiencing an even more serious issue like cracks that create an hourglass shape in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with both the style and size of the existing one.
To save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows consist of a complete glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering the window frame. Most home centers sell these aluminum drip cap options for around $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash and will provide you with the same functionality as a genuine muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to seek some help. A sash that is broken ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and working.
The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash then pull in toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. You'll need to remove the strip that is what separates the sash from other so you can access the area where the sash cords are.
After you've removed the sash, it's important to take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to the tabs on the new sash. If they're different, it will be difficult to place the new sash into its proper slot and will affect how well the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.
You'll need to check your window frame, too for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to check it regularly since wood shrinks and wears down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a more serious issue.
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 boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will protect your window from the elements too.