10 Repair Window Tricks All Experts Recommend
When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when repairing your windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a simple solution for a window that has cracked. This will stop snow, rain and insects out of your home.
Cracked glass
Cracked window glass not only make your home less attractive but let drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, such as soccer or a baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature change, it is essential to have them repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.
Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it's not broken. It's an easy and affordable solution that provides protection from water, dust bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the elements.
If the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's best to seek out a professional. An experienced glazier can identify the cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair method.
An impact crack is the most frequent type of window break typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous if they become loose. This crack can compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane windows and decrease its energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress crack, that develops slowly over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A more serious but possible crack is the pressure crack. It is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by high or low pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window appear 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 soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can increase the severity of allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.
If double glazing Streatham is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's best to get an expert to assist you repair the issue right away. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.
In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area, however, and then remove any old caulking before applying the new layer.
Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could be clogged by insect corpses and other debris over time.
If you have double-paned windows, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a barrier of gas between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and allow water to get into the home.
Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indication of leaks. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture, which weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. There may also be peeling paint, which is a result 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 referred to in the UK) separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to the support of a single piece or small portion of them, resulting in cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components.
First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that doesn't leave any residue. Then, take off any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.
If you're experiencing a more severe problem such as a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window it's recommended to replace the sash. In these instances, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with both the style and size of the current one.
Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows are made of a complete glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. These windows are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.
Installing a drip cap can stop water from entering the window frame. You can find a variety of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash should be a sign that you should seek help. If it's not checked the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.
Often, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed cords for sash. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that hold the sash in place. Press upwards on the side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to remove it. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the area where the sash cords are.
After you've removed your sash, it's important to make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to the ones on your new sash. If they're different, it can be difficult to place the new sash into its proper place and could affect the way that the sash operates. Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.
You'll have to examine your window frame, too for any damage or decay. It's recommended to do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. If you spot any visible damage, it must be fixed as quickly as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing.
If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made using half mineral spirits and half boiled linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.