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When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when you are repairing windows. The first step is to put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from cutting you during your work.

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

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or a baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning properly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it's not damaged. It's a cheap and simple solution that can provide protection from dust, water bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the elements.

However, if the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's best to seek out a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.

A crack caused by an impact is the most common type of window break typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect your window's energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

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

If you're ready to take further than nail polish and tape, there are alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd rather 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 as if it never had any cracks at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood surrounding it is weak or rotting, it might be time to replace your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions and can cause a number of problems within your home. They can decrease the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

If the water is coming in from the outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to get an expert to assist you repair the issue right away. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural and mold damage So don't leave them untreated.

In many instances, a single caulking layer is all you need to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll need clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

If windows have double panes, you'll also need to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will ensure a barrier between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. The seal may wear away with time and allow water to enter the home.

Water stains on ceiling and walls are another sign of the presence of a leak. These are caused when the drywall is saturated with moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing 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. After WWII larger expanses of tempered glass were available. They're mostly used as decorative elements in some older homes.

Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports may be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to 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 any residue. Then, take off any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. 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 layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you're dealing with a more severe problem such as a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these situations it is essential to locate a replacement window that matches both the style and size of the current one.

Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows repair feature 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, however.

Installing a drip-cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same function as a genuine mullion, repair windows or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a sign that you should call for help. If not taken care of the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and repair windows more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung cords for sash. Luckily, replacing them is relatively simple and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. First, you'll need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to take it off. You'll want to carefully remove the strip of separation that is what separates the sash from other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords reside.

Once you've removed the sash, be sure to examine its metal tabs against the ones on your new sash. If they're not the same, it will be hard to place the new one into its slot and affect how the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs at their proper locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your window for problems or rot. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down over time. If you find any visible damage it should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated with a homemade preserver created from half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can then restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window against the elements.