When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, it's important to be careful when working. First, put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from cutting you during your work.
An easy fix for a broken window is to place an aluminum cover over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow and insects out of your home.
Cracked glass
Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to get in. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are a result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change it is crucial to have them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are working effectively.
If your window is cracked but not broken, a quick solution is to apply clear tape to it. It's an easy and affordable solution that provides protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris and also keep out the elements.
However, if the crack is extensive or is getting worse, it's best to consult a professional. An experienced glazier can determine the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair method.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They typically occur when a hard object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous if they become loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your window's energy use.
Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops because of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edge of your window, and can progress to complete breaks.
A more serious but possible crack is a pressure crack. It's usually a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be the result of high or low air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass If you're willing to go further than tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at all.
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or decaying, it might be time for a windows repair project. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen symptoms of allergies. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the home.
It's best to call a professional if the water is visible or leaking from outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, it's necessary clean the area and remove any existing caulking.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged with insect corpses and other debris as time passes.
If you have double-paned windows, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help maintain a seal between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and let water get into the home.
Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated by water. There may also be peeling paint caused by the effects of the water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are referred to in the UK) separated and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.
Most of the time it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle parts.
First, clean the affected areas with a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Then, remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let window repair dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.
If the issue is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these cases, you'll need to look for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.
Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows feature 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 energy efficient as traditional windows, however.
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. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a sign that you must call for help. If left unchecked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and working.
Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly installed sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need remove the tabs made of metal that secure the sash. To do this push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.
It's important that you examine the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're different, it may be difficult to insert the new sash into its proper place and could affect how well the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs at their correct places on the new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your windows for problems or decay. It's recommended to check it regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. If you find any visible damage, it must be addressed as soon as you can to avoid a bigger problem from developing.
If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative created with half mineral spirits and half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements, as well.