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When It's Time to Repair Windows If your windows require repair, it's essential to work with care. First, put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent glass shards from cutting you during your work. Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a quick fix for a cracked window. This will keep insects, snow and rain from entering your home. Glass that has cracked Broken windows not only makes your home appear less appealing however, it could let drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, like soccer or baseball, or stress, like the sudden temperature change, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working correctly. If your window is cracked, but not broken, an easy fix is to apply clear tape to it. It's a cheap and simple solution that will provide some protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters, as well as keeping out the elements. If the crack is getting larger or has become large, it is recommended to consult with an expert. A professional glazier will determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair method. Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They usually occur when a hard object hits your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. The crack could affect the gas between the panes of your double-pane windows and lower its energy efficiency. Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. Wokingham window repair begin around the edge of your window, and can progress to full-blown cracks. A more serious but still doable crack is a pressure crack. It is a curvy straight line that can stretch 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 looking to take a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are a few alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY method epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it never had a crack at all! Leaking Windows If you notice an area of dampness under your window, or notice that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it might be time to consider a window repair. The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your house. It is best to call an expert if water is visible or coming from the outside. Don't put off leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of structural damage and mold. In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first, but you must also get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking. It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater but can become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris. Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. The seal may wear away over time, however, and allow water to leak into the house. Water stains on ceiling and walls are another indicator of the presence of a leak. These occur when wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it from the wall. Faux Muntins & Mullions In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative element in a few older homes. Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports can be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying elements. First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that does not leave traces. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close focus on the areas which were lightly coated on the first go. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat. If you're dealing with a more severe problem like cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, it's likely to be better to replace the sash. In these situations it's crucial to find an alternative window that is in line with both the style and size of the present one. If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass that is topped with the muntins being that are glued to the surface creating a divided appearance. These windows are not as energy efficient as traditional windows. If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for assistance. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed. Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed cords for sash. Luckily, replacing these is relatively simple and can be done in all double-hung windows. First, you'll need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. Push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to pull it out. To get access to the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove the strip that separates the sash. It's important that you check the metal tabs on the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same, it may be difficult to place the new sash into its correct slot and could impact how the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily rectified by placing tabs in their proper places on your new window. You'll need to check your window frame, too for any damage or decay. It's a good idea do this regularly as the wood shrinks and gets worn down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a larger problem. If your window frames are deteriorating they can be treated with a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A new coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements, as well.