When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when fixing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is an easy fix for a cracked window. This will keep rain, snow, and insects from entering your home.

Glass that has cracked

Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less appealing and let drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer, or stress, double glazing repairs Carshalton like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning correctly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it is not damaged. It's a cheap and simple solution that provides protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and keep out the weather.

If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become extensive, it is best to seek advice from a professional. A skilled glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They typically occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be dangerous if they come loose. If you have double glazing repair Barnet pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your window's energy use.

Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually as time passes, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edge of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks.

A more serious, but doable crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could be the result of high or low air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you prefer to 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 at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair project. The excess moisture can create a breeding ground for mildew and mold, which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can even worsen allergies. If left unchecked they could cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

It is best to call a professional if the water is visible or comes from the outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are a leading cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first, though, and remove any old caulking before applying the new layer.

Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater but can become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.

Make sure you have a seal between your Double glazing repairs Carshalton-paned window and the metal frame. This will help maintain a seal between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. Over time, the seal can wear out and allow water into your home.

Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated with water. There is also the possibility of peeling paint caused by the effects of water destroying its adhesive properties and tearing away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are known in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're used only as decorative elements in some older homes.

Wind or rain can damage the support of a single piece or small group of them, creating a crack in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting elements.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat.

If you have an issue that is more serious such as cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these cases it's crucial to find an alternative window that is in line with both the style and size of the current one.

Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows are constructed of a full glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to 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 an easy method to upgrade your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash and will provide you with the same functionality as a real muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a sign that you must call for help. If not taken care of, a damaged sash could cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to pull it out. It is important to remove the strip of separation that is what separates the sash from other so you can access the area where the sash cords reside.

After you've removed the sash, it's important to make sure you compare its metal tabs to those of the new sash. If they're not the same, it will be hard to insert the new one in its slot and could affect the way it functions. Fortunately, this can be easily corrected by simply placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine your window frame 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. You should repair any visible damage as soon as possible to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative created by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.