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When It's Time to Repair Windows If your windows require repair, you must be careful when working. The first step is to put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from slicing you while you work. Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from entering the home. Cracked glass Broken windows not only makes your home less attractive however, it could also let drafts and other elements into the house. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, for example an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are working effectively. If your window is cracked, but not broken, an easy fix is to apply clear tape to 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 elements. If the crack is becoming bigger or is deep, it is advised to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method. A crack caused by an impact is the most popular type of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to break it. The cracks typically have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous in the event that they become loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your window's energy use. Another kind of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly as time passes due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and can eventually grow into full-blown breaks. A more serious but still feasible crack is a pressure crack. It is typically 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 expansion or contraction of the glass. If you're willing to go further than tape and nail polish, there are a few other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY method epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window look like it has never had cracks at all! Leaking Windows If you notice a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it may be time for a windows repair. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions which can cause a number of problems within your home. They can affect the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home. It is best to call an expert if water is visible or comes from outside. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of mold and structural damage So don't leave them untreated. In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need clean the area and remove any caulking you have already applied. Check the weepholes of the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris. If windows are double-paned You'll also have to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal may wear away over time, however, and allow water to get into the home. Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indicator of a leak. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture that weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting 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 classic multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses tempered glass were available. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes. Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting components. First, clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Then, take off any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Then, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a 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 such cases 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 cheaper alternative. These windows consist of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however. If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these aluminum drip cap options for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion or a muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to get some help. If not taken double glazing repairs Oldham of the broken sash may 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 possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and functioning. The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It's 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. To do this, push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash and then pull it toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the strip that divides the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords are located. It's important that you compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same, it may be difficult to insert the new sash into its correct slot and could affect how well the sash performs. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in their correct places on the new window. You'll need to check the frame of your window, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. If you find any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid an even bigger issue from arising. If your window frames have deteriorated and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created from half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you are able to restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.