7 Useful Tips For Making The Most Of Your Repair Window
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When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is important to be cautious when fixing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.
Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window. This will prevent insects, snow, and rain from entering the home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked not only make your home less attractive but also let drafts and other elements into the home. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature change, it is essential to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows working properly.
If your window is cracked but not broken, a simple solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from water, dust, bugs, and other debris. It also helps keep out the elements.
However, if the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, it's best to seek out an expert. A skilled glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They typically occur when a sharp object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks usually display an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly as time passes, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and can progress to complete breaks.
A pressure crack is a more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of low or high air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.
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. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd prefer to make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks in it at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it may be time for a windows repair. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture and can cause various issues within your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen symptoms of allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your house.
If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame, it's a good idea to contact an expert to assist you to fix the problem immediately. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of structural damage and mold.
In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first however, and then take off any caulking that is old before applying the new layer.
Check the weepholes of the frame for any debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could get blocked read more by insect carcasses and other debris as time passes.
If windows are double-paned, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain a gas barrier between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal may be worn out and allow water to enter your home.
Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated by moisture that weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. You might also find peeling paint caused by the effects of water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in classic multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're only utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.
Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these rotting or brittle components.
First, clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Then, take off any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying special focus on the areas which were lightly coated on the first go. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If you're dealing with a more severe problem, such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in center of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find a replacement window that matches the style and size of the current one.
Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows consist of a complete glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, think about installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a real mullion or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a sign that you must seek help. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. Push up on the other side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to remove it. It is important to remove the strip that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the area where the sash cords reside.
After you've removed the sash, be sure to look at its metal tabs and compare them to the ones on your new sash. If they're not the same, it can be difficult to insert the new sash in its proper place and could affect the way that the sash performs. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing tabs in their proper locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your windows for damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down over time. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and half boiled linseed oil. 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 help to protect your window from the elements, as well.