The Best Repair Window Gurus Are Doing Three Things
When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is important to be cautious when you are repairing windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.
A quick fix for a window that is broken is to place a plastic covering over the crack. This will prevent snow, rain and insects from getting into your home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked window glass not only makes your home appear less appealing, but it can also allow drafts and other elements into the house. If the cracks were caused by an collision (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, like a sudden change in temperature it is crucial to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning properly.
If your window is cracked but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's a cheap and simple solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters and keep out the elements.
If the crack is becoming larger or is getting more extensive, it is best to seek advice from a professional. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the root of the problem and suggest a suitable repair method.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They usually occur when a hard object hits your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could compromise the gas that is between the panes of the double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly as time passes, due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edge of your window, and can progress to full-blown breaks.
A more serious, but feasible crack is a pressure crack. 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, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY option epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it never had cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or decaying, it might be time for a windows repair. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mildew and mold, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can even worsen allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming in from the outside or is visible through the frame it's best to get a professional to assist repair the issue immediately. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of mold and structural damage, so don't leave them untreated.
In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area, but you must also remove any old caulking before applying a new layer.
It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris as time passes.
If windows have double panes, you'll also need to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. Over time the seal will get worn out and let water to enter your home.
The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of the presence of a leak. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated by water. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars as they are known in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of tempered glass were available. Today, they're only utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to the support of a single piece or small group of them, creating an opening in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying elements.
Clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying special attention to the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat.
If the problem is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these cases it's crucial to find a replacement window that matches both the style and size of the existing one.
If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass, with muntins that are attached to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.
Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same function as a genuine mullion, or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to get assistance. A sash that is broken ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems 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 sealed and functioning.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed the sash cords. Luckily, replacing these is quite simple and can be done in the majority of double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords reside.
It's important that you check the metal tabs on the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same it's difficult to place the new one in its place and could affect the way it functions. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at their proper positions on your new window.
You'll need to inspect your window frame, too, for any damage or decay. double glazing repairs Orpington 's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. It is important to 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 made with half mineral spirits and half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can then re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.