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When It's Time to Repair Windows It is important to be cautious when you are repairing windows. First, you should wear a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work. A quick fix for a broken window is to put a plastic cover over the crack. This will stop insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home. Cracked glass Cracked window glass not only makes your home look less appealing but let drafts and other elements to enter the house. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, like soccer or baseball or a stress like an abrupt temperature change, it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning properly. If your window is cracked but not broken, an easy solution is to use clear tape to cover it. It's an easy and affordable solution that can provide protection from water, dust bugs and other particles and keep out the elements. If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is deep, it is advised to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method. Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a sharp object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. The cracks typically have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when they break loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your window's energy use. Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops because of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks. A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. This is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by low or high pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract. If you're looking to take further than tape and nail polish, there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at all. Leaking Windows If you notice a damp area under your window or the wood around it appears weak or rotting, it might be the time to fix your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture, which can lead to various issues within your home. They can reduce the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your house. If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's a good idea to contact a professional to help you to fix the problem immediately. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage. In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all that's needed to stop the leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have clean the area and take off any existing caulking. Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris as time passes. If windows have double panes, you'll also need to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. Over time the seal may be worn out and allow water into your home. Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture, which weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result of water weakening its adhesive properties 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 the classic multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass with tempered were made available. They're mostly used as a decorative feature in some older homes. Rain or wind can cause damage to a single support or a small group, leaving a crack in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle components. First, clean the affected areas with a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. Once you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat. If you have an even more serious issue such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in middle of the window, it's likely to be recommended to replace the sash. In these situations it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches the design and size of the existing one. If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are constructed of a glass pane that has a series of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however. Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering the window frame. You can find a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash and will provide you with the same function as a real muntin or mullion. Broken Sashes & Frames A damaged window sash must be a signal that you must call for help. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a broken sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning. The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Then, push up on the side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to take it off. You'll want to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords are. It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to put the new sash in its correct slot and could affect how well the sash functions. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window. You'll need to check your window frame, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's a good idea do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. repairing upvc windows is important to repair any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a bigger issue. If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made using half mineral spirits and half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.