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When It's Time to Repair Windows If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to be careful when working. The first step is to wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from slicing you while you work. Placing a plastic cover over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. This will stop rain, snow and insects from getting into your home. Cracked glass Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or baseball or stress, such as a sudden temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning effectively. Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it's not broken. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from water, dust bugs and other debris. It also helps keep out the elements. However, if the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's best to seek out an expert. A glazier who is experienced will be able to determine the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair procedure. Impact cracks are the most popular kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are typically with a starburst-like pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your window's energy use. Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops because of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually grow into full-blown cracks. A more serious but still possible crack is a pressure crack. This is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by high or low pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract. If you're ready to take further than tape and nail polish, there are alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window appear like it has never had a crack at all! Leaking Windows If you notice a damp spot under your window or that the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and even worsen allergies. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the house. If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame it's best to seek out an expert to assist you repair the issue right away. Don't put off leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage. In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all that's needed to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and take off any caulking that is in place. Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time. If windows are double-paned You'll also have to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. As time passes the seal may get worn out and let water to enter your home. Another sign of leaks is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. 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, muntins (or glazing bars as they are called in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're used only as a decorative element in a few older homes. Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle components. First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After you've cut the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat. If you're experiencing an even more serious issue such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in the middle of the window, then it's probably best to replace the sash. In such cases you'll have to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both style and size. Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows are constructed of a glass pane, with a set of muntins that are glued on the surface. Maidenhead double glazing repair creates a divi-sected appearance. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows. Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They're a lot easier to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functions as a real muntin or mullion. Broken Sashes & Frames A damaged window sash must be a sign that you must call for help. If not taken care of the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged 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 improperly hung the sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash and then pull it toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the strip that divides the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords are. It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're different it can be difficult to place the new one in its slot and affect how the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in the correct locations on your new window. In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check your window frame for any problems or decay. It's a good idea to check it regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you notice any obvious damage, it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing. If your window frames have deteriorated and are in need of repair, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can then restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will protect your window from the elements, as well.