Why Repair Window Could Be Your Next Big Obsession

When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, it's important to work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window. This will stop snow, rain and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Broken windows not only make your home appear less appealing but also allow drafts and other elements into the home. Whether the cracks were caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, for example an abrupt change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are operating properly.
If your window is cracked, but not broken, an easy fix is to apply clear tape to it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters, as well as keeping out the weather.
However, if the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, you should consult an expert. An experienced glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair method.
Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They typically occur when a hard object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually display a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous in the event that they become loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your windows.
Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature changes 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 possible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by high or low pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
If you're ready to take further than tape and nail polish, there are a few other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it did not have cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time for a windows repair. The excess moisture can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and even worsen allergies. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the home.
If the water is coming from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to seek out a professional to help you to fix the problem immediately. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of structural and mold damage So don't leave them untreated.
In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is enough to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first though, and take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.
Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris over time.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned windows and the metal frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. As time passes the seal may wear out and allow water into your home.
Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are referred to in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass with tempered were made available. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.
Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle parts.
Clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. Once you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let window repair near dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat.
If the issue is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these cases it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches the design and size of the present one.
For a less expensive alternative, you can also 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, giving them a divided appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however.
Installing a drip cap can stop water from getting into the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. They're much simpler 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 is an obvious indication that it's time for some 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 properly sealed and working.
The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash, and then pull it toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. To get access to the cords for the sash, you'll have to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.
It is important to check the metal tabs on the old sash with the new one. If they are different it will be difficult to place the new sash into its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash functions. Fortunately, this issue can be fixed by placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.
You'll need to check your window frame as well, for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to check it regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a more serious issue.
If your window frames have deteriorated and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can refinish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will protect your window from the elements too.