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When It's Time to Repair Windows If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards. Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a quick solution for a window that has cracked. This will stop rain, snow and insects out of your home. Cracked Glass Glass that is cracked not only make your home appear less appealing but also allow drafts and other elements into the home. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact like soccer or a baseball, or stress, like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to ensure that your windows are functioning effectively. If your window is damaged but not broken, a simple solution is to apply clear tape to it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters and keep out the elements. If the crack is becoming bigger or is large, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure. An impact crack is the most popular type of window break typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be risky if they break loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could weaken 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 as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks. A pressure crack is a more serious crack however it can be repaired. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and can be the result of high or low air pressure, which can cause contraction or expansion of the glass. If you're ready to take a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to do it yourself 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 any point. Leaking Windows If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood surrounding it is soft or decaying, it may be time to replace your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture and can cause various issues within your home. They can reduce the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home. If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame, it's a good idea to get an expert to assist you to fix the problem right away. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural damage and mold, so don't leave them untreated. In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and remove any existing 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 rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris. If you have double-paned windows, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help maintain a barrier between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. The seal may wear away over time, however, and let water enter the home. Water stains on walls and ceiling are another indication of a leak. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated by water. You might also find peeling paint caused by the effects of water destroying 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. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in a few older homes. The effects of rain or wind can harm a single support or a small group of them, creating cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle elements. First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that doesn't leave any residue. Then, take off any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat. If the problem is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these cases it's crucial to find an alternative window that is in line with the style and size of the present one. Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. Potters Bar window repairs come with a complete pane of glass with a series of muntins glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are. If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same function as a genuine mullion or a muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A broken window sash should be a signal that you need to call for help. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have 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 cords for sash. It's simple to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that keep the sash in place. Press upwards on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to take it off. To access the cords of the sash, you'll need to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash. It's important that you examine the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're different, it can be difficult to put the new sash into its proper slot and will affect the way that the sash performs. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at their correct positions on your new window. In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check the frame of your window for problems or decay. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down over time. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a bigger issue. If your window frames have deteriorated they can be treated with a homemade preserver created with half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried for two days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can help to protect your window from the elements, too.