When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when you are repairing windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.
An easy fix for a window that is broken is to place a plastic covering over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering the home.
Glass that has cracked
Glass that is cracked not only make your home look less appealing but let drafts and other elements to enter the home. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change it is crucial to have them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are working effectively.
If your window is cracked, but not broken, a quick fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from water, dust bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the elements.
If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become deep, it is advised to consult with a professional. A glazier who is experienced can identify the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair method.
A crack caused by an impact is the most common kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are typically accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite 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 type of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly over time because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and eventually expand into full-blown break.
A more serious but doable crack is the pressure crack. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of the window. It can be the result of high or low air pressure, which could cause contraction or expansion of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY method, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window look like it did not have cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions which can cause numerous issues in your home. They can decrease the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming from outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to get a professional to assist repair the issue right away. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.
In many instances, a single layer of caulking is enough to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll need clean the area and remove any caulking you have already applied.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.
Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the frame. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal will be worn out and allow water into your home.
Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint as a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in the classic multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII They went out of fashion. They're used only as decorative elements in some older homes.
Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports can be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle parts.
First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that does not leave traces. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've cut the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If the issue is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances it's crucial to find the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the present one.
Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows are constructed of a complete glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows aren't as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.
If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. They're much easier to install than an alternative window sash and come with the same functionality as an authentic muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash should be a signal that you should seek help. A damaged sash, 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 immediately to ensure that the window is sealed.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. Then, push up on the side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to pull it out. To access the sash cords, you'll need to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.
After you've removed the sash, you must be sure to examine its metal tabs against the tabs on the new sash. If they're not the same it can be difficult to place the new one into its slot and could affect the way it operates. Fortunately, this issue can be fixed by placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.
You'll have to examine your window frame, too, for any damage or decay. It's recommended to perform this inspection regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you spot any obvious damage, it should be repaired as soon as you can to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.
If window repair are deteriorating they can be treated with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. 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 will protect your window from the elements too.