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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 gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from cutting you as you work. A quick fix for a window that is broken is to apply a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent insects, snow and rain from entering the home. Cracked Glass Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to pass through. Whether the cracks were caused by an impact (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning effectively. If your window is damaged but not broken, a quick fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's a cheap and simple solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the weather. If the crack appears to be getting larger or is getting more large, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method. Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They typically occur when a sharp object hits your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when they break loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and affect your window's energy efficiency. Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks. A more serious but possible crack is a pressure crack. It's usually a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window. It could be the result of low or high air pressure, which can cause contraction or expansion of the glass. If you're willing to go a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are a few alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it has never had cracks in the first place! Leaking Windows If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mildew and mold, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can even increase the severity of allergies. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the structure of the house. If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame, it's a good idea to seek out an expert to assist you with the repairs immediately. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of mold and structural damage, so don't leave them untreated. In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is enough to stop the leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying a new layer. You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater but can become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris. If you have double-paned windows You'll also have to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This creates the gas from escaping between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and allow water to get into the home. Another sign of leaks is the appearance of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall. Faux Muntins & Mullions In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are referred to in the UK), separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. They're used only as a decorative feature in some older homes. Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports could get damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting elements. Clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat. If you're experiencing an even more serious issue like cracks that form an hourglass shape in the center of the window, it's recommended 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 present one. Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows are constructed of a complete glass pane that has a series of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are. Installing a drip-cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They're a lot easier to install than windowsash replacements and will provide you with the same functions as a genuine muntin or mullion. Broken Sashes & Frames A broken window sash should be a signal that you should contact a professional. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've got 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 fairly easy and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. To start, double glazing repairs Welwyn Garden City 'll need to take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove the parting strips that separate the sash. Once you've removed the sash, it's important to take the time to compare its metal tabs to the ones on the new sash. If they're different, it can be difficult to place the new sash into its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window. You'll have to examine your window frame, too for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. You should fix any visible damage as soon as possible to avoid a bigger issue. If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements as well.