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When It's Time to Repair Windows If your windows are in need of repair, you must work carefully. The first step is to put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work. Applying a plastic covering over the crack is an easy fix for a damaged window. double glazing Maidenhead will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering your home. Cracked Glass Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to get in. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, such as an abrupt change in temperature it is crucial to have them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning effectively. 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 will provide some protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and also keep out the weather. If the crack appears to be getting larger or is getting more extensive, it is best to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair procedure. Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They typically occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. The cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and impact your window's energy efficiency. Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks. A more serious but still doable crack is the pressure crack. It is a curvy curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by high or low pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract. If you're willing to go further than nail polish and tape there are alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and durability for your windows. If you prefer to DIY epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at all. Leaking Windows If you notice a damp zone under your window, or the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. Excessive moisture creates a breeding ground for mildew and mold, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and even worsen allergies. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house. It is recommended to contact an expert if the water is visible or leaking from the outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are a leading cause of structural damage and mold. In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all you need to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first, though, and remove any old caulking before applying new caulking. It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time with insect corpses or other debris. If you have double-paned windows it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain the gas from escaping between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal may be worn out and allow water into your home. Water stains on walls and ceiling are another indicator of a leak. The drywall turns discolored when it is soaked with water. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling 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 tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative element in some older homes. Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can be damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle parts. First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that does not leave traces. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat. If the issue is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these instances you'll need to search for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of the design and size. Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows come with a complete pane of glass with the muntins being that are glued to the surface, giving them a divided look. These windows are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows. If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. They're much simpler to install than windowsash replacements, and they'll provide you with the same functionality as a real mullion or muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A damaged window sash should be a sign that you need to contact a professional. If not taken care of, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, you should replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed. Often, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed the sash cords. Luckily, replacing these is quite simple and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. You'll first need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash 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 location where the sash cords are located. Once you've removed the sash, you must take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're not the same, it will be hard to put the new one in its slot and impact how the sash operates. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing the tabs in their correct positions on the new window. You'll need to check the frame of your window, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a more serious issue. If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you are able to re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements as well.