When It’s Time to Repair Windows
It’s important to be careful when fixing your windows. The first step is to wear a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to stop 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 prevent snow, rain and insects from getting into your home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn’t matter whether the cracks result from an impact like soccer or a baseball or a stress like the sudden temperature change, but it is important to have them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and to ensure that your windows are functioning effectively.
If your window is cracked but not broken, a quick fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to shield your window from water, dust, bugs, and other debris. It also keeps out the elements.
If the crack is getting larger or has become deep, it is advised to speak with a professional. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the root of the problem and recommend an appropriate repair method.
A crack caused by an impact is the most popular type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window sash repairs (visit the up coming post) with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are typically with a starburst-like pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could affect the gas in the panes of your double-pane windows and lower its energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks.
A pressure crack is a more severe crack, but it can still be repaired. It’s usually a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of high or low air pressure that can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass window repair.
If you’re looking to take further than nail polish and tape, there are other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and longevity for your windows. If you’d prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and Window Sash Repairs make your window appear like it never had a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood surrounding it is weak or rotting, it might be time to replace your windows. In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the home.
It’s best to call a professional if the water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are among the main causes of mold and structural damage, so don’t leave them untreated.
In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all you need to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you’ll have to clean the area and remove any existing caulking.
You’ll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to ensure they’re not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time by insect carcasses or other debris.
If windows are double-paned You’ll also have to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help maintain a seal between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and allow water to get into the home.
Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These occur when wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are called in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. Nowadays, they’re used as a decorative feature in some older homes.
Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying elements.
First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that will not leave residue. Remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter’s masking tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to fully dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it’s best to replace the sash. In these instances it’s crucial to find a replacement window that matches both the style and size of the present one.
Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows consist of a full glass pane with a series muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They’re not as energy efficient as traditional windows, Window Sash Repairs however.
Installing a drip-cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps in aluminum for about $20. They’re a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash and will provide you with the same functions as a real muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it’s time to get some help. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you’ve got a damaged sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. To start, you’ll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it doesn’t matter which) of the sash then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To get access to the cords for the sash, you’ll have to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.
It’s important that you check the metal tabs on the old sash to the new one. If they’re not the same, it will be difficult to put the new sash in its proper place and could affect the way that the sash performs. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct places on your new window.
You’ll have to examine your window frame as well, for any damage or decay. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and wear down over time. You should repair any visible damage as soon as possible to avoid a more serious issue.
If your window frames are in bad condition you’ll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made using half mineral spirits and half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.