When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows are in need of repair, you must work carefully. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.
Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. double glazing repairs Margate will keep rain, snow and insects from getting into your home.
Glass that has cracked
Broken windows not only makes your home look less appealing however, it could let drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact like soccer or baseball, or stress, like the sudden temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and keep your windows working correctly.
If your window is cracked, but not broken, a simple 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, as well as keeping out the elements.
However, if the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to seek out a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They typically occur when a hard object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. The cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could affect the gas between the panes of your double-pane windows and lower its energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress crack, which develops gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A pressure crack is a much more serious crack however it can be fixed. This is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by high or low pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY method, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window look like it has never had cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window or that the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.
It is recommended to contact an expert if the water is visible or coming from the outside. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural damage and mold, so don't leave them untreated.
In many instances, a single caulking layer is all that's needed to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first though, and get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking.
Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater but can become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned windows and the frame made of metal. This helps to keep a barrier of gas between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and allow water to leak into the house.
The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of a leak. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in the classic multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're only used as a decorative feature in some older homes.
Often, a single or small group of these wooden supports may be damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting parts.
First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that doesn't leave any residue. Then, take off any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let the paint completely dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If you're dealing with an even more serious issue, such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in the middle of the window then it's probably better to replace the sash. In such cases you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both the design and size.
If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows are constructed of a full glass pane with a series muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
If you're looking for a simple method to upgrade your windows, consider installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from getting into the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it's time for some help. If it's not checked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've broken a sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.
The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. You'll first 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, and then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. It is important to remove the strip that is what separates the sash from other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords reside.
It's important that you compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same it can be difficult to place the new one into its slot and could affect the way it operates. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct places on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check the frame of your window for damage or decay. It's a good idea to do this regularly as 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 you can, to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated using a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.