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When It's Time to Repair Windows If your windows require repair, you must work carefully. The first step is to put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent shards of glass from cutting you as you work. An easy solution to a damaged window is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will stop insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home. Cracked glass Glass that is cracked not only makes your home less attractive, but it can also let drafts and other elements to enter the house. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, such as soccer or a baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature change, but it is essential to have them repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows working properly. If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from dust, water, bugs and other debris and also keep out the weather. If the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's best to consult an expert. A glazier who is experienced can determine the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair method. Impact cracks are the most popular type of window break usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. If double glazing repairs Harlow have double-pane windows this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your windows. Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks. A more serious but still possible crack is one that is a pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of high or low air pressure, which can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass. There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will offer a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you prefer to make it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear like it never had any cracks at all. Leaking Windows If you notice a damp spot under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and even worsen allergies. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the house. If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to get a professional to help you repair the issue immediately. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated. In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all you need to stop the leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area, though, and take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer. You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris over time. If windows have double panes, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. The seal may wear away with time and allow water to leak into the house. Another sign of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated with moisture that weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it 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 traditional multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses tempered glass were available. They're used only as decorative elements in a few older homes. Sometimes it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying elements. First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that does not leave traces. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. Let the paint completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat. If you have an even more serious issue such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in center of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these cases, you'll need to look for a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both the design and size. For a less expensive alternative, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows consist of a full glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows are not as energy efficient as traditional windows. If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from getting 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 an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functions as a genuine mullion or muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A broken window sash should be a sign that you should contact a professional. A damaged sash, left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed. Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly installed cords for sash. Luckily, replacing these is fairly easy and is possible in most double-hung windows. First, you'll need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. It is important to remove the parting strip that separates the sash from the other to allow access to the location where the sash cords are. After you've removed your sash, it's important to make sure you examine its metal tabs against those of the new sash. If they are different it can be difficult to insert the new sash into its correct slot and could impact how the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in their correct positions on your new window. You'll need to check the frame of your window, too, for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you find any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing. If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made using half mineral spirits and half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.