When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when fixing your windows. First, you should wear a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to stop glass shards from cutting you as you work.
A quick solution to a damaged window is to put a plastic cover over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects out of your home.
Glass that has cracked
Glass that is cracked not only makes your home look less appealing, but it can also allow drafts and other elements to enter the house. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.
Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not broken. This is a quick, low-cost solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the elements.
If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become large, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier can determine the root of the crack and recommend the best repair method.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They usually occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are typically with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your window's energy use.
Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks.
A more serious but still feasible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is typically a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be the result of low or high air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.
If you're looking to take further than tape and nail polish, there are several other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will offer a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY route, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it did not have a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window or the wood around it appears weak or rotting, it might be the time to fix your windows. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mildew and mold, which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can reduce the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen symptoms of allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.
It is recommended to contact 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 the use of caulking is to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area, however, and then remove any old caulking before applying new caulking.
You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.
If you have double-paned windows, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and allow water to get into the home.
Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it 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. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.
Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting components.
Clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a thick coat of white paint, paying particular attention to areas that were lightly coated on the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat.
If the problem is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these instances it's crucial to find the right replacement window that matches the design and size of the present one.
For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass with a series of muntins that are glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
Installing a drip cap can stop water from getting into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same functions as a real mullion or a muntin.
double glazing Putney & Frames
A damaged window sash must be a sign that you should call for help. A damaged sash, not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.
The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Fortunately, replacing them is fairly easy and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that hold the sash in place. Press upwards on the other side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to pull it out. To access the sash cords, you'll need to remove with care the strip of separation that separates the sash.
Once you've removed the sash, take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're different, it may be difficult to place the new sash in its proper place and could impact how the sash operates. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at their correct positions on your new window.
You'll need to check the frame of your window, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's recommended to do this regularly as the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as soon as possible to avoid a bigger issue.
If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created from half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will protect your window from the elements, too.