When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, it's essential to work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.
Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window. This will prevent rain, snow, and insects from entering your home.
Cracked glass
Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, such as a sudden change in temperature or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning properly.
If your window is damaged but not broken, a simple fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's an easy and affordable solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters, as well as keeping out the weather.
If the crack appears to be getting larger or is getting more extensive, it is best to speak with an expert. An experienced glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They usually occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they come loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect your window's energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A pressure crack is a much more serious crack but it is still able to be fixed. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends 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 window glass If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you see a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or decaying, it might be time to start a windows repair. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can decrease the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the home.
If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to contact an expert to assist you repair the issue right away. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.
In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first, however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying a new layer.
You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time.
Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help maintain a seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and let water get into the home.
The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of the presence of a leak. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it away from the wall.
double glazing repairs Twickenham & Mullions
In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in the classic multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports could be damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle parts.
Clean the affected areas with a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical 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. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.
If you have an issue that is more serious such as cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these instances, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the present one.
To save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass that is topped with the muntins being that are glued to the surface, giving them a divided look. These windows are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.
Installing a drip cap can stop water from entering the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps in aluminum for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same functions as a genuine mullion or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time for assistance. If left unchecked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a broken window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to remove it. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash.
It's important that you check the metal tabs on the old sash to the new one. If they're different it can be difficult to put the new one in its place and affect how the sash operates. Fortunately, this issue can be fixed by placing tabs in the correct locations on your new window.
You'll need to check your window frame, too for any damage or decay. It's recommended to check it regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. If you spot any visible damage it should 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 need to treat them with a homemade preservative created by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you are able to re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements too.