8 Tips To Enhance Your Repair Window Game

When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to be careful when working. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.

A quick fix for a broken window is to apply a plastic cover over the crack. This will stop rain, snow and insects from getting into your home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked glass can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to pass through. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, like a sudden change in temperature, it's important to get them repaired as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are operating properly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, a simple fix is to use clear tape to cover it. This is a quick, low-cost solution to protect your window from water, dust bugs, and other debris. It also keeps out the weather.

If the crack appears to be getting larger or is getting more deep, it is advised to consult with a professional. An experienced glazier will be able to determine the root of the problem and recommend a suitable repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a solid object hits your window with enough force that it cracks. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous when they break loose. The crack could affect the gas that is between the panes of the double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window and can progress to full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. It's usually a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of high or low air pressure, which can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window look like it never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or decaying, it might be time to consider a  window repair . Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can create a range of issues for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can even increase the severity of allergies. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

It is best to call a professional if the water is visible or comes from the outside. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first, though, and remove any old caulking before applying a new layer.

You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.

Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help to maintain a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away over time, however, and allow water to get into the home.

The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indication of the presence of a leak. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture that weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. There may also be peeling paint as a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in traditional multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative element 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, leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying parts.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that does not leave traces. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to cut 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. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to completely dry before removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In such cases you'll need to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both style and size.

For a less expensive alternative, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass that is topped with the muntins being glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance. These windows aren't as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

If you're looking for a simple method to upgrade your windows, consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can find a variety of these aluminum drip caps at the majority of home centers for around $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 damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to get some help. If left unchecked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, it is recommended to replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. To get access to the sash cords, you'll need to remove with care the parting strips that separate the sash.

After you've removed the sash, make sure you compare its metal tabs to the tabs on the new sash. If they're different, it may be difficult to place the new sash in its proper place and could affect the way that the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct positions on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also have to examine your window frame for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to check it regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as you can, to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative made using half mineral spirits and half boiled linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can then restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will protect your window from the elements too.