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When It's Time to Repair Windows It's important to be careful when you are repairing windows. First, put on a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to prevent glass shards from slicing you while you work. Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy fix for a cracked window. This will prevent rain, snow, and insects from entering your home. Cracked Glass Broken windows not only makes your home appear less appealing but also allow drafts and other elements into the house. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change it is crucial to have them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are operating correctly. If your window is damaged but not broken, a quick fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that will provide some protection from dust, water, bugs and other debris, as well as keeping out the weather. If the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's best to consult a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure. Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a solid object hits your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually display an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous in the event that they become 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 a different kind of crack that develops as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window, and eventually can develop into complete breaks. A more serious but still possible crack is the pressure crack. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of low or high air pressure, which could cause contraction or expansion of the glass. If you're looking to take a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window look like it has never had a crack at all! Leaking Windows If you notice an area of dampness under your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair project. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to various issues within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the house. It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or leaking from the outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of structural damage and mold. In many instances, a single 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. You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes. Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. The seal may wear away over time,, and let water leak into the house. Another sign of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. You might also find peeling paint caused by the effects of water destroying its adhesive properties and tearing 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. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative feature in a few older homes. Sometimes 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 the majority of these decaying or brittle parts. First, clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat. If the problem is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these instances, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the existing one. For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with muntins that are that are glued to the surface which gives them a split look. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are. If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, think about installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash and come with the same functionality as an authentic mullion or muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time to get assistance. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed. Often, the problem is caused by worn out or improperly installed cords for sash. It's easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. Push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to remove it. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip of separation that separates the sash. It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're not the same, it can be difficult to put the new sash in its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash operates. Fortunately, Windsor double glazing repair can be rectified by placing the tabs in their correct positions on the new window. In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect the frame of your windows for problems or rot. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood shrinks and wears down over time. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a more serious issue. If your window frames are deteriorating they can be treated using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiled linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can protect your window from the elements as well.