Repair Window Tools To Help You Manage Your Life Everyday
When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, you must work with care. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.
Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a quick fix for a cracked window. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from entering the home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked glass can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, like soccer or baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature change, but it is essential to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows functioning properly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it's not broken. It's an easy and affordable solution that provides protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and also keep out the elements.
If the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, you should consult an expert. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
Impact cracks are the most common type of window break typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and broken pieces that could be risky if they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas in the panes of the double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and eventually expand into full-blown break.
A more serious but possible crack is one that is a pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window repairs. It can be the result of high or low air pressure that can lead to expansion or contraction 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 costly, but it will offer a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY route epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window appear like it did not have cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you notice an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it could be time to start a windows repair project. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture and can cause various issues within your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they could cause structural damage to the house.
It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or leaking from the outside. Don't put off leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first though, and take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.
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 they could become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris.
If windows are double glazed window repairs-paned it is also necessary to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal may wear out and allow water into your home.
Another sign of leaks is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers and causes discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint caused by the effects of the water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK) separated and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to a single support or a small group of them, creating cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.
First, man clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave a residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted upvc window repair near me muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to completely dry before taking off 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 these cases you'll need to search for a replacement that matches the window repair that is in place in terms of style and size.
Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows are constructed of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, you should consider installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same functionality as a real mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a signal that you need to contact a professional. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, you should replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
The problem is often caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull it toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll need to remove the strip that separates the sash from the other to allow access to the area where the sash cords are.
After you've removed your sash, it's important to make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to the ones on your new sash. If they are different it will be difficult to insert the new sash in its correct slot and could affect how well the sash functions. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs at their correct positions on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your windows for damage or rot. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. If you spot any obvious damage, it should be repaired as soon as you can to avoid the development of a larger issue.
If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will protect your window from the elements, too.