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When It's Time to Repair Windows If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to work carefully. First, put on a pair safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from cutting you during your work. An easy fix for a window that is broken is to put a plastic covering over the crack. This will stop snow, rain, and insects from entering your home. Cracked Glass Glass that has cracked can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to get in. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, for example a sudden change in temperature it is crucial to have them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows operating correctly. Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not broken. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from water, dust, bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the weather. If the crack is getting larger or is getting more deep, it is advised to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier will determine the root of the crack and recommend the best repair method. Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They typically occur when a sharp object hits your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks are typically accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they fall loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane windows and lower its energy efficiency. Another kind of crack is a stress crack, which develops gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks. A more serious, but feasible crack is a pressure crack. It is typically a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of the window. It could be the result of low or high air pressure, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass. There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather 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 notice a damp spot under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can decrease the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house. If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame, it's a good idea to seek out an expert to assist you repair the issue immediately. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage. In many instances, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, it's necessary clean the area and take off any existing caulking. You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time by insect carcasses or other debris. Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help to maintain a barrier of gas between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down with time and let water leak into the house. The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of a leak. The drywall will turn discolored once it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it from the wall. Faux Muntins & Mullions In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in the classic multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII They went out of fashion. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes. Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports can get 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. Use ammonia-based cleaners that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming Chelmsford double glazing using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat. If you're dealing with a more severe problem like cracks that create an hourglass shape in the center of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both style and size. To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows consist of a complete 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. Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps in aluminum for around $20. They're much simpler to install than windowsash replacements, and they'll provide you with the same function as an authentic muntin or mullion. Broken Sashes & Frames A broken window sash should be a sign that you need to contact a professional. A damaged sash, not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working. Often, the problem is caused by worn out or improperly installed the sash cords. Fortunately, replacing them is fairly easy and can be done in most double-hung windows. You'll first need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Then, push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove with care the parting strips that separate the sash. After you've removed the sash, take the time to compare its metal tabs to those of the new sash. If they're not the same, it will be hard to place the new one in its slot and impact how the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct positions on the new window. In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check your window frame for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. It is important to repair any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a larger problem. If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created with half mineral spirits and half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.