This Is The Myths And Facts Behind Repair Window

When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work carefully. First, you should wear a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to stop glass shards from cutting you as you work.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy fix for a cracked window. This will prevent rain, snow, and insects from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked window glass not only make your home less attractive but let drafts and other elements into the home. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer, or stress, like the sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows working effectively.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it is not damaged. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from dust, water, bugs, and other debris. It also helps keep out the elements.

If the crack is extensive or is getting worse, it's best to seek out an expert. A glazier who is experienced can identify the cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most frequent type of window break usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it. The cracks typically have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous if they become loose. The crack could affect the gas between the panes of your double-pane windows and lower its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another type 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 more severe crack however it can be fixed. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of high or low air pressure that can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window appear like it never had cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood surrounding it is soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions and can cause various issues within your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can even worsen allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your house.

It is best to call an expert if water is visible or comes from outside. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of structural damage and mold So don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all you need to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area, however, and then remove any old caulking before applying a new layer.

It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could become clogged with insect corpses and other debris as time passes.

Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the frame. This helps to keep the gas from escaping between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, and allow water to leak into the house.

Another indication of leaks is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated with moisture, which weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. There may also be peeling paint caused by the effects of the water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are called in the UK) separated and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to a single support or a small portion of them, resulting in an opening in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that will not leave residue. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat.

If the problem is more severe like an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with both the style and size of the existing one.

For a less expensive alternative, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass that is topped with the muntins being glued to the surface creating a divided look. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. They're much simpler to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same functions as an authentic muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to seek some help. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing these is relatively simple and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that secure the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. It is important to remove the strip that separates the sash from the other so you can access the location where the sash cords are located.

It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If window repairs 're not the same, it will be hard to put the new one in its place and impact how the sash functions. This can be corrected by putting the tabs in the correct places on the new window.

You'll need to inspect your window frame, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. If you find any visible damage, it must be repaired 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 made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can then re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, as well.

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Pub: 07 Feb 2024 12:51 UTC
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