When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, it's important to be careful when working. The first step is to put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent glass shards from slicing you while you work.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a quick solution for a window that has cracked. This will keep snow, rain and insects out of your home.
Glass that has cracked
Cracked window glass not only make your home look less appealing however, it could also let drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, like soccer or baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature change, but it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows working properly.
If your window is cracked, but not broken, a simple fix is to use clear tape to cover it. It's an easy and affordable solution that provides protection from dust, water bugs and other particles and also keep out the weather.
If the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's best to consult an expert. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair method.
Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They usually occur when a solid object hits your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually over time because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A pressure crack is a more severe crack but it is still able to be repaired. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of low or high air pressure that can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
If you're looking to take a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to do it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear like it never had any cracks in it at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp area under your window or that the wood surrounding it is soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions which can cause a number of problems within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and even worsen allergies. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the structure of the house.
It's best to call an expert if water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of mold and structural damage and should not be left untreated.
In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first however, and then remove any old caulking before applying new caulking.
It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater but can become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.
Check window repairs between your double-paned windows and the metal frame. This helps to keep a barrier of gas between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and let water leak into the house.
Another sign of a leak is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to 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 and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of tempered glass were available. They're mostly used as decorative elements in some older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to one support or a small group of them, creating cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying elements.
First, clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the issue is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these situations it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches the design and size of the present one.
To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a full glass pane, with a set of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however.
If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, think about installing a new drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. The majority of home centers sell aluminum drip cap options for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same functionality as a real mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time to get some help. If it's not checked, a damaged sash could cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, it is recommended to replace it immediately to ensure that the window is sealed.
Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly installed the sash cords. Luckily, replacing these is fairly easy and can be done in most double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off the metal tabs holding the sash. To do this push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash, and then pull it toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip of separation that separates the sash.
It is crucial to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different it's difficult to place the new one in its slot and impact how the sash operates. Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by placing tabs in their proper positions on the new window.
You'll have to examine your window frame as well to look for any signs of damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down as time passes. If you notice any obvious damage, it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent an even bigger issue from arising.
If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created of half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.