What Can A Weekly Repair Window Project Can Change Your Life

When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows repair require repair, it's important to be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple solution for a window that has cracked. This will stop insects, snow and rain from entering your home.

Cracked glass

Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, such as an abrupt change in temperature or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are working effectively.

If your window is cracked, but not broken, a quick solution is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from water, dust bugs and other particles and keep out the weather.

If the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, it's best to seek out a professional. A professional glazier can determine the root of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They usually occur when a sharp object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be quite dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and impact your window's energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. It is a curvy straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by high or low pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.

If you're looking to take a step beyond nail polish and installed tape there are a few alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to make it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window or the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mildew and mold, which can create a range of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can even increase the severity of allergies. If not addressed, window repairs they can also cause structural damage to the house.

It's best to call an expert if the water is visible or leaking from the outside. Leaking windows are among the most common causes of structural and mold damage, so don't leave them untreated.

In many instances, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and remove any caulking you have already applied.

Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time.

Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. The seal may wear away with time and allow water to leak into the house.

Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. They're mostly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Wind or rain can damage a single support or a small group, leaving an opening in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the 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. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat.

If you have a more severe problem like cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these cases, you'll need to look for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of style and size.

To save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are constructed of a glass pane that has a series of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

Installing a drip-cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. Home centers typically sell these aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They're much easier to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same function as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time to get assistance. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, you should replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Fortunately, replacing them is fairly easy and can be done in the majority of double-hung windows. You'll first need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. Press upwards on the side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to pull it out. You'll want to carefully remove the strip that is what separates the sash from other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords are located.

After you've removed the sash, take the time to examine its metal tabs against those of the new sash. If they're different, it will be hard to put the new one in its slot and affect how the sash functions. Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by placing tabs in the correct places on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect your window frame for any problems or decay. It's recommended to check it regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you are able to restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.