Why Repair Window Will Be Your Next Big Obsession

When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to work carefully. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a quick fix for a cracked window. This will stop rain, snow and insects from entering your home.
Cracked glass
Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less appealing and let drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer, or stress, like the sudden temperature change, it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.
Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it's not broken. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from water, dust bugs and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements.
If the crack is getting bigger or is deep, it is advised to speak with an expert. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a hard object hits your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. The crack could compromise the gas between the panes of the double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops because of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. It is typically a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of low or high air pressure, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
If you're willing to go further than nail polish and tape, there are a few other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window appear like it never had cracks at all!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture, which can lead to a number of problems within your home. They can affect 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.
It is recommended to contact an expert if water is visible or comes from outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are a leading cause of structural damage and mold.
In many instances caulking is a great option 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 a new layer.
It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.
Check the seal between your double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will ensure a barrier between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. The seal may wear away over time,, and allow water to get into the home.
Water stains on ceiling and walls are another sign of the presence of a leak. These occur when drywall is saturated with moisture that weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign 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) separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. Nowadays, they're utilized 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 may be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting parts.
First, clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a thick coat of white paint, paying close focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first pass. Allow the paint to fully dry before removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If you're experiencing an even more serious issue such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in center of the window, it's likely to be best to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both the design and size.
Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows have a full pane of glass that is topped with the muntins being attached to the surface, giving them a divided look. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.
Installing window repairs -cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same function as a genuine mullion or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a signal that you must seek help. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
Often, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed the sash cords. Luckily, replacing these is quite simple and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off the metal tabs holding the sash. Push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it. You'll need to remove the strip that divides the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords reside.
It's important that you examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different, it may be difficult to place the new sash into its proper slot and will impact how the sash operates. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at the correct locations on your new window.
You'll need to check your window frame, too, for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. If you spot any visible damage, it must be addressed as soon as you can to avoid the development of a larger issue.
If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them using a homemade preserver made using half mineral spirits and half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you can finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.