When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, you must be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.

A quick fix for a broken upvc window repair is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from getting into the home.

Glass that has cracked

Glass that is cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to enter. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like an impact from a soccer or upvc baseball ball) or are the result of stress, for example a sudden change in temperature or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are functioning correctly.

If your window is cracked, but not broken, a quick fix is to apply clear tape to it. It's an easy and affordable solution that provides protection from dust, water bugs and other particles and keep out the weather.

If the crack is becoming larger or is getting more extensive, it is best to seek advice from an expert. A glazier who is experienced will be able to determine the cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair procedure.

A crack caused by an impact is the most popular kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your windows.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly as time passes due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window, and uPVC eventually can develop into full-blown breaks.

A more serious but doable crack is the pressure crack. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and can be the result of low or high air pressure, which can cause 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 nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather do it yourself, 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 in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window or the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture and can cause a number of problems within your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can even increase the severity of allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to contact a professional to assist to fix the problem immediately. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They're a major cause of structural damage and mold.

In many instances, a single layer of caulking is all you need to stop the leaks. It is important to clean the area first, however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer.

Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater, but they could become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

If windows have double glazed window repairs near me panes it is also necessary to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This creates a gas barrier between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and allow water to get into the home.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated with moisture that weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past muntins (or glazing bars as they are referred to in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass with tempered were made available. They're mainly used as decorative elements in some older homes.

Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports may be damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying components.

First, clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first go. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.

If the problem is more serious like an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these cases it is essential to locate a replacement window that matches both the style and size of the existing one.

To save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a glass pane, with a set of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, consider installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps in aluminum for about $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functionality as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you should call for help. A damaged sash, not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, it is recommended to replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed the sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. Then, push up on the side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to remove it. You'll want to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords are.

It's important that you examine the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're different, it will be hard to put the new one into its slot and affect how the sash functions. Fortunately, this issue can be fixed by placing the tabs in their correct positions on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine your window frame for any problems or decay. It's a good idea to check it regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated with a homemade preserver created with half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.