When It’s Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, it’s essential to be careful when working. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a quick solution for a window that has cracked. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to get in. It doesn’t matter if the cracks result from an impact, such as soccer or baseball or a stress like a sudden temperature change, but it is essential to have them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows working correctly.
If your window is cracked, but not broken, an easy fix is to apply clear tape to it. It’s a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from dust, water, bugs and other debris and also keep out the elements.
If the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, it’s recommended to consult an expert. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a hard object strikes your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks usually display a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when they break loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your window’s energy use.
Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin upvc repairs near me the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A more serious but possible crack is the pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be the result of low or high air pressure, which could cause contraction or expansion of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows if you’re willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY option, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it has never had cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window or that the wood around it appears weak or rotting, it might be time to upvc repair your windows. The excess moisture can create the perfect environment for mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can even increase the severity of allergies. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the home.
It is best to call an expert if water is visible or leaking from outside. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of mold and structural damage and should not be left untreated.
In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all you need to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, it’s necessary to clean the area and get rid of any existing caulking.
Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater but can become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.
If you have double-paned windows it is also necessary to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help maintain a barrier between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. As time passes, upvc repairs near me the seal can wear out and allow water to enter your home.
Another sign of leaks is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. You might also find 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 the classic multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they’re mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Sometimes it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. The good part is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.
First, clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won’t leave any residue. Then, take off any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. Once you’ve trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter’s tape. Now, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying particular attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.
If you’re dealing with an issue that is more serious like cracks that create an hourglass shape in center of the window, then it’s probably recommended to replace the sash. In these situations it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the current one.
To save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows consist of a glass pane with a series muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They’re not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
If you’re looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, think about installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps in aluminum for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it’s time for assistance. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you’ve broken a window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and upvc repairs near me operating.
The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. To begin, you’ll need to dislodge the metal tabs that hold the sash in place. To do this push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash and then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. You’ll need to remove the strip that divides the sash from the other to allow access to the location where the sash cords are located.
After you’ve removed your sash, take the time to examine its metal tabs against the tabs on the new sash. If they’re different it’s difficult to put the new one in its place and impact how the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily rectified by placing tabs in their proper positions on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you’ll need to check the frame of your windows for damage or decay. It’s recommended to check it regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. If you spot any obvious damage, it should be fixed as quickly as you can, to avoid a bigger problem from developing.
If your window frames are deteriorating and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created of half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you are able to re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will protect your window from the elements as well.