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When It's Time to Repair Windows It is important to be cautious when you are repairing windows. First, put on a pair cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to prevent shards of glass from cutting you during your work. An easy fix for a broken window is to place a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home. Cracked Glass Cracked window glass not only make your home appear less appealing but also allow drafts and other elements to enter the house. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, such as a sudden change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning properly. Use clear tape to cover your cracked window, even if it's not damaged. It's an easy and affordable solution that will provide some protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and keep out the elements. If the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, you should consult a professional. A skilled glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair method. Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They typically occur when a hard object hits your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be quite dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your window's energy use. Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly as time passes due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and eventually expand into full-blown break. A more serious, but feasible crack is one that is a pressure crack. This is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by low or high pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract. There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide a bit more protection and longevity 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 as if it never had any cracks in it at all. Leaking Windows If you notice a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or decaying, it might be time for a windows repair. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions which can cause various issues within your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the home. It is best to call a professional if the water is visible or comes from outside. Leaking windows are among the most common causes of structural damage and mold and should not be left untreated. In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is enough to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll have to clean the area and take off any existing caulking. Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. double glazing repairs Chingford are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked in time due to insect corpses or other debris. Examine the seal between your double-paned windows and the frame made of metal. This will help maintain a barrier between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal will be worn out and allow water into your home. Water stains on walls and ceiling are another sign of leaks. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away from the wall. Faux Muntins & Mullions In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in classic multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII They went out of fashion. Today, they're mainly utilized as a decorative element in a few older homes. Wind or rain can damage the support of a single piece or small portion of them, resulting in cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle parts. Clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying particular focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat. If you have a more severe problem like cracks that form an hourglass shape in center of the window, it's likely to be better to replace the sash. In these instances, you'll need to look for a replacement that matches the existing window in both style and size. To save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass, with the muntins being attached to the surface creating a divided look. These windows are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows. If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, think about installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're much simpler to install than a replacement window sash and will provide you with the same functionality as a genuine mullion or muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for assistance. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and functioning. Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Push up on the other side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to take it off. To get access to the sash cords, you'll need to carefully remove the parting strips that separate the sash. After you've removed your sash, make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to the ones on the new sash. If they're different, it will be hard to place the new one into its slot and affect how the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window. You'll need to check your window frame, too, for any damage or rot. It's recommended to do this regularly as the wood shrinks and gets worn down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as soon as possible to avoid a bigger issue. If your window frames are deteriorating, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created with half mineral spirits and boiling in linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with the finest latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements too.