Five Repair Window Lessons From Professionals

When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when fixing your windows. The first step is to put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to stop glass shards from cutting you during your work.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a simple solution for a window that has cracked. This will stop rain, snow and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that has cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball or stress, such as the sudden temperature drop, but it is essential to have them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning effectively.
If your window is cracked but not broken, a simple solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and keep out the weather.
However, if the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, you should consult a professional. An experienced glazier can determine the root of the problem and recommend a suitable repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They typically occur when a hard object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous if they become loose. The crack could compromise the gas that is between the panes of the double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress crack, which develops gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks.
A more serious but possible crack is one that is a pressure crack. This is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by low or high pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
If you're willing to go further than nail polish and tape, there are a few other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY option, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window look like it has never had cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp area under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be time to replace your windows. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can create a range of issues for your home. They can reduce the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house.
It's best to call an expert if the water is visible or coming from the outside. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural and mold damage So don't leave them untreated.
In many instances, a single layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area, though, and take off any caulking that is old before applying new caulking.
Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.
If windows are double-paned, you'll also need to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain the gas from escaping between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and let water enter the home.
The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of leaks. These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture that weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint, which is a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and tearing away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are known in the UK), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII, they fell out of fashion. Today, they're only utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.
Wind or rain can damage a single support or a small group, leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle components.
First, clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Then, remove window repairs rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to cut 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 part of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat.
If the problem is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In such cases, you'll need to look for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of style and size.
Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows come with a complete pane of glass, with muntins that are that are glued to the surface creating a divided appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however.
If you're looking for a simple method to upgrade your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash and come with the same function as a genuine muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a sign that you should contact a professional. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. To do this, you need to 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. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.
After you've removed your sash, be sure to examine its metal tabs against the ones on the new sash. If they are different it can be difficult to insert the new sash in its proper slot and will impact how the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily corrected by simply placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also have to examine the frame of your window for problems or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a more serious issue.
If your window frames are deteriorating they can be treated using a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiled linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you are able to finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.