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When It's Time to Repair Windows If your windows require repair, it's important to work with care. First, you should 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 put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects from entering your home. Cracked Glass Glass that is cracked not only make your home look less appealing however, it could also allow drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, like soccer or a baseball or a stress like the sudden temperature change, it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows functioning correctly. Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it's not broken. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from dust, water, bugs and other sand. It also shields your windows from the weather. However, if the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, it's best to consult an expert. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method. An impact crack is the most frequent type of window break, typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. The crack could compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency. Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops because of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks. A pressure crack is a more serious crack however it can be fixed. It is typically a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of high or low air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass. There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY option, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window appear like it did not have cracks at all! Leaking Windows If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or 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 an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can reduce the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they could cause structural damage to the 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 with the repairs immediately. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural damage and mold So don't leave them untreated. In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first but you must also remove any old caulking before applying a new layer. You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. They are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time. If you have double-paned windows You'll also have to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This creates a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. window repair Colchester can wear down over time,, and allow water to get into the home. Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indicator of a leak. These occur when wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint caused by the effects 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 called in the UK), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in some older homes. Sometimes it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components. First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that will not leave residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying close attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat. If you're experiencing an even more serious issue like a crack that forms an hourglass shape in the center of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances you'll need to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size. Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows are constructed of a full glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are. Installing a drip cap can prevent water from leaking into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash and come with the same functionality as an authentic mullion or muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time for some help. If it's not checked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, you should replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed. Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed cords for sash. Luckily, replacing these is relatively simple and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash and then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the strip of separation that is what separates the sash from other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords reside. It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different it's difficult to place the new one into its slot and impact how the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs at their proper places on the new window. You'll need to check your window frame as well to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as soon as you can, to avoid a larger problem. If your window frames have deteriorated they can be treated with a homemade preserver created from half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.