When It's Time to Repair Windows If your windows require repair, it's important to be careful when working First, you should wear a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent glass shards from slicing you while you work A quick solution to a damaged window is to place an aluminum cover over the crack This will keep snow, rain and insects out of your home Cracked Glass Glass that is cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to enter Whether the cracks were caused by an impact like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball or are a result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning effectively If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to cover it It's a cheap and simple solution that will provide some protection from dust, water bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the elements If the crack is getting bigger or is large, it is recommended to consult with an expert An experienced glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair procedure An impact crack is the most frequent kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it These cracks usually display an explosion 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 impact the efficiency of your window's energy use Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors The cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks A more serious but doable crack is a pressure crack It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of high or low air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability If http//ezproxycityueduhk/loginurl=https//wwwrepairmywindowsanddoorscouk/bethnalgreen-windowrepair/ 'd prefer to make it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage https//wwwlongislandcom/profile/walruscanada3 can make your window appear like it never had any cracks at any point Leaking Windows If you notice a damp area under your window or that the wood surrounding it is soft or decaying, it may be time to replace your windows In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mildew and mold, which can create a range of problems for your home They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can increase the severity of allergies 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 seek out a professional to help you with the repairs immediately Don't ignore leaking windows They are the most frequent cause of structural damage and mold In many cases, a thin caulking layer is enough to stop the leaks Before you apply the new caulking, it's necessary clean the area and take off any caulking you have already applied You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the frame This creates a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient As time passes, the seal can be worn out and allow water into your home Another sign of leaks is the appearance of water stains on ceiling and walls These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture that weakens its fibers, causing discoloration Peeling paint is another indication of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall Faux Muntins amp; Mullions In the past muntins or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned 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 some older homes The effects of rain or wind can harm the support of a single piece or small group of them, creating an opening in the window The good news is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components First take a rag and clean the affected areas Use ammonia-based cleaning products that will not leave residue Then, remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to areas which were lightly coated on the first coat Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat If you're experiencing an even more serious issue, such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash In such cases, you'll need to look for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of the design and size Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative These windows have a full pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are 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 getting into the window frame The majority of home centers sell drip caps in aluminum for around 20 They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same function as a real muntin or mullion Broken Sashes amp; Frames A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for assistance If not taken care of, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords It's simple to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models First, you'll need to take off the metal tabs holding the sash Push up on the side of the sash it isn't important which side and then pull toward the opposite side in order to remove it You'll need to remove the parting strip that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords reside It is crucial to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one If they're different it can be difficult to insert the new one into its slot and affect how the sash functions This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in their correct positions on your new window You'll need to inspect your window frame as well for any damage or rot It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements You should repair any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a bigger issue If your window frames have deteriorated they can be treated with a homemade preserver created of half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can then re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint A new coat of paint can help to protect your window from the elements as well