10 Repair Window Tricks Experts Recommend
Wiki Article
When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is important to be cautious when fixing your windows. First, wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a quick solution for a window that has cracked. This will stop rain, snow and insects from entering the home.
Glass that has cracked
Cracked window glass not only make your home look less appealing, but it can also let drafts and other elements into the house. If the cracks were caused by an collision (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, for example an abrupt change in temperature, it's important to get them repaired as soon as you can to avoid further damage and keep your windows working correctly.
If your window is cracked, but not broken, a quick solution is to apply clear tape to it. It's a cheap and simple solution that provides protection from water, dust bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the elements.
If the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's best to seek out an expert. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They usually occur when a solid object hits your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they come loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and affect your window's energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress crack which develops gradually over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edge of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A more serious but still doable crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows If you're willing to go further than tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to do it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It will make your window appear like it never had any cracks at all.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be time to replace your windows. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen symptoms of allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the house.
If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to contact a professional to help you to fix the problem right away. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of structural damage and mold So don't leave them untreated.
In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all you need to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first, however, and then remove any old caulking before applying new caulking.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater but can become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned windows and the frame. This creates the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and let water get into the home.
The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of a leak. These are caused when the drywall is saturated with moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes 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 mainly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Sometimes it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.
Clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave a residue. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying particular attention to the areas which were lightly coated on the first go. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat.
If the problem is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these situations it's crucial to find the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the current one.
Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows have a full pane of glass with muntins that are glued to the surface creating a divided 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. The majority of home centers sell aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same functions as a genuine mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to seek assistance. A damaged sash, ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a broken sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and working.
The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. Push up on the other side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to take it off. To access the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.
After you've removed the sash, you must take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're different it can be difficult to insert the new one in its slot and could affect the way it functions. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by glass repairs near me placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect your window frame for any damage or rot. It's a good idea check it regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as you can, 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 boiling linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.