Repair Window Tips From The Best In The Business

When It's Time to Repair Windows
It's important to be careful when you are repairing windows. First, you should wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from cutting you during your work.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is an easy fix for a cracked window. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from entering the home.
Cracked Glass
Cracked glass can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact, such as a baseball or soccer, or stress, like a sudden temperature change, but it is essential to have them repaired as soon as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning effectively.
If your window is cracked, but not broken, a simple solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs and other particles and keep out the weather.
However, if the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's best to consult an expert. An experienced glazier can identify the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair procedure.
An impact crack is the most common type of window break typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually display a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous if they become loose. The crack could affect the gas between the panes of the double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and can eventually grow into full-blown breaks.
A pressure crack is a more severe crack, but it can still be fixed. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be the result of low or high air pressure that can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
If you're willing to go a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window look like it never had cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp area under your window or that the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture which can cause a number of problems within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked they could cause structural damage to the home.
If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to get a professional to assist with the repairs immediately. Leaking helpful hints are one of the most common causes of structural damage and mold, so don't leave them untreated.
In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first, but you must also take off any caulking that is old before applying the new layer.
It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris as time passes.
If windows have double panes You'll also have to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This creates a gas barrier between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, and let water get into the home.
Another sign of leaks 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 known in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative feature in some older homes.
Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting components.
First, clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Then, remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. 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 best to replace the sash. In such cases you'll have to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.
For a less expensive alternative you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows have a full pane of glass, with a series of muntins glued to the surface which gives them a split look. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows.
If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, think about installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They're much simpler to install than a replacement window sash and will provide you with the same functions as a real mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time for some help. A broken sash, if left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. Fortunately, replacing them is quite simple and can be accomplished in all 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 does not matter which side) of the sash and then pull in toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To get access to the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.
It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different it can be difficult to put the new one in its place and affect how the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily rectified by placing tabs in their proper locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check your window frame for any problems or decay. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. If you find any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing.
If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.