When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is important to be cautious when repairing your windows. First, wear a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to stop glass shards from cutting you as you work.
A quick fix for a broken window is to place an aluminum cover over the crack. This will prevent snow, rain, and insects from entering your home.
Glass that has cracked
Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer, or stress, like an abrupt temperature change, it is important to have them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning effectively.
If your window is cracked, but not broken, a quick solution is to apply clear tape to it. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs, and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements.
If the crack is getting larger or has become deep, it is advised to consult with a professional. An experienced glazier can determine the cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They usually occur when a sharp object strikes your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. The crack could compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane windows and lower its energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly as time passes, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A more serious, but feasible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It's usually a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be the result of low or high air pressure, which can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather do it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It can make your window appear as if 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 weak or rotting, it might be time to replace your windows. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mildew and mold, which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the house.
If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to get a professional to assist repair the issue right away. Don't put off leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.
In many instances the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll need to clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.
You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. Over time the seal will wear out and allow water to enter your home.
Water stains on ceiling and walls are another indication of a leak. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. You might also find peeling paint caused by the effects of water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing it 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 classic multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of tempered glass were available. They're mainly used as decorative elements in some older homes.
window repairs or rain can damage a single support or a small portion of them, resulting in an opening in the window. The good part is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.
First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that will not leave residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.
If you have an issue that is more serious such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in middle of the window then it's probably recommended 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.
If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass with the muntins being glued to the surface creating a divided look. These windows aren't as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.
Installing a drip-cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at the majority of home centers for around $20. They're much easier to install than windowsash replacements, and they'll provide you with the same function as an authentic muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time for some help. If not taken care of the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
Often, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed the sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need dislodge the metal tabs that keep the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash, and then pull it towards the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.
After you've removed the sash, it's important to take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to the tabs on the new sash. If they're different, it will be hard to put the new one in its slot and impact how the sash operates. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in their proper 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 do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative created with half mineral spirits and half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you are able to re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can protect your window from the elements too.