Repair Window Tools To Streamline Your DayToDay Life

When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when you are repairing windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.
A quick fix for a broken window is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects out of your home.
Glass that has cracked
Cracked glass can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to enter. The cracks could be caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are a result of stress, such as an abrupt temperature change it is crucial to have them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are operating correctly.
If your window is cracked but not broken, a quick solution is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a cheap and simple solution that provides protection from water, dust, 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 seek out a professional. A glazier who is experienced can identify the root of the problem and suggest a suitable repair method.
An impact crack is the most common kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to break it. The cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be dangerous if they fall loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of the double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into complete breaks.
A more serious but still possible crack is a pressure crack. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of the window. It can be the result of low or high air pressure, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
If you're willing to go further than nail polish and tape, there are a few other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at all.
Leaking Windows
If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair project. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture which can cause numerous issues in your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.
If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to seek out a professional to help you to fix the problem immediately. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of structural damage and mold.
In many instances, a single caulking layer is all that's needed to stop the leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area, however, and then take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.
Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris over time.
If windows have double panes, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. Over time, the seal can get worn out and let water into your home.
The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indicator of the presence of a leak. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. There is also the possibility of peeling paint, which is a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in classic multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII, they fell out of fashion. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting parts.
First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaners that doesn't leave any 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 using painter's tape. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close attention to the areas that were lightly coated on the first pass. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more severe like an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances, you'll need to look for a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both the design and size.
Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows feature a complete pane of glass that is topped with a series of muntins that are glued to the surface which gives them a split look. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.
Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps made of aluminum for around $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a real mullion or a muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A broken window sash should be a signal that you must call for help. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If Ongoing damaged your sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
Often, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly hung sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and can be done in most double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that keep the sash in place. Push up on the side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to take it off. To access the sash cords, you'll need to carefully remove the parting strips that separate the sash.
It is crucial to compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they are different it may be difficult to put the new sash into its proper slot and will affect the way that the sash operates. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their correct positions on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your windows for damage or rot. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. If you notice any visible damage it should be repaired as soon as you can to avoid a bigger problem from developing.
If your window frames have deteriorated they can be treated with a homemade preserver created with half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can then finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.