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7 Helpful Tips To Make The Most Of Your Repair Window When It's Time to Repair Windows If your windows require repair, it's important to work carefully. First, you should wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work. An easy 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 Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact like soccer or baseball, or stress, like an abrupt temperature change, but it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to ensure that your windows are functioning properly. If your window is cracked but not broken, a quick fix is to use clear tape to cover it. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to shield your window from dust, water bugs and other sand. It also shields your windows from the elements. If the crack is getting larger or has become deep, it is advised to seek advice from a professional. A glazier who is experienced can identify the root of the problem and suggest a suitable 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 break it. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They could 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 your window's energy efficiency. Stress cracks are another type 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 expand into full-blown break. A pressure crack is a more serious crack, but it can still be fixed. This is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract. If you're ready to take a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window appear like it has never had cracks at all! Leaking Windows If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or decaying, it might be time for a windows repair. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture which can cause various issues within your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home. If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to get an expert to assist you repair the issue immediately. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated. In many instances the use of caulking is to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first, however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking. It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris as time passes. Check the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. As time passes the seal will be worn out and allow water into your home. Another sign of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and causes discoloration. There is also the possibility of 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, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in classic multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes. Rain or wind can cause damage to one support or a small group of them, creating an opening in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle parts. First, clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave any residue. Then, remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat. If you're dealing with an even more serious issue, such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in the center of the window, it's likely to be better to replace the sash. In such cases you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both the design and size. For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass that is topped with the muntins being attached to the surface creating a divided appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however. Installing a drip cap can stop water from entering the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion, or muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to get assistance. A damaged sash, left unchecked can cause 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 sealed. Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly hung cords for sash. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and is possible in the majority of double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do window repairs , push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull it toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. It is important to remove the strip that separates the sash from the other to allow access to the location where the sash cords reside. After you've removed the sash, be sure to compare its metal tabs to those of the new sash. If they're not the same, it can be difficult to place the new sash in its proper place and could impact how the sash functions. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window. You'll need to check the frame of your window, too, for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. If you notice any visible damage, it must be fixed as quickly as you can to avoid a bigger problem from developing. If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them using a homemade preserver made using half mineral spirits and half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can restore your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can protect your window from the elements too.