Window Repairs You Shouldn't Ignore If your window isn't able to open and close smoothly, it could be a sign of a leaky seal Expansions or contractions caused by heat can damage seals on double pane windows over time which allows dirt and moisture to get inside Wood rot can also be found in window sills and frames Repairing the wood early with epoxy filler can help avoid costly repairs later on Chips and cracks A window that is cracked is not just ugly; it could be dangerous It exposes the window to damage and moisture which could cause an issue with mold Fix any cracks and chips as soon as you can to ensure that your windows are safe and your family secure The most frequent items that can crack your window are rocks and pebbles that are dropped by the car in front of you, or even Dolichovespula maculata seeds no this isn't an actual plant, it's a bug But don't despair as these cracks can be repaired This method can be used to repair single-paned glass in homes or even double-paned windows with a crack on only one side This method isn't applicable to windshields due to the need for an instrument that injects resin into the crack to create an air vacuum Clean the area where the crack will be repaired with glass cleaner Then apply a thumbtack or pin to remove any loose shards of glass in the crack You should also wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol or acetone to ensure proper adhesion of the repair material Some methods suggest that a repair will appear almost invisible This is true for certain types of repairs but not for all, and especially small cracks Repairing these cracks can help stop them from becoming bigger problems, and may even stop them from spreading If you want to have cracks that are completely invisible, then look for an option that makes use of clear super glue This type of glue doesn't swell when it dries and will not cause further damage to the crack Be sure to carefully go through the directions for your product before making an informed decision If you want to try a temporary solution, you can try covering a crack or chip with clear nail polish This will serve as an adhesive and slow the development of the crack or chip It's important to keep the polish just outside of the crack edges to avoid damaging the integrity Sashes that Don't Move Some windows that are old are difficult for you to open due to swollen wood or rotten wood, or because the cords or balance systems that move up and down can be broken The problem is usually much more straightforward It could be due to dirt or other debris that has clogged up the mechanisms It could be that the mechanism needs to be cleaned or lubricated The first step is to remove the sash This can be done with an putty knife and a bit of patience Score the paint between the jamb and sashstop first, and then carefully pull the two apart Be careful not to break the sash stop, or jamb, and set the pieces aside to protect them After you have removed the sash, will be able to access the pocket piece and the front window stops You can take them off using the help of a utility knife, and then lower the top sash down to the sill The bottom sash may not be as difficult as the top to move, but getting it all the way down can be a challenge as well After you've lowered the sash to the lowest point, use a flathead screwscrew to reset and relock the balance shoe the small box at the bottom of your window so that it can support the weight of the sash If the sash doesn't stay in place, you could have to replace either the balance system or sash It's typically much easier than you think to replace the balance system or sash since replacement parts are available from a variety of vendors and are inexpensive After you have replaced the balance system or sash, you can examine the sash and determine whether it's functioning properly The sash tilting pin could also be removed or fall out during cleaning If you are adept, you can repair this yourself But it is recommended to only perform this on older windows which are safe to take apart Otherwise https//doormandwindowrepairstop/ to call in an expert who has experience with the particular brand of window you have Caps with drip Caps If you're experiencing moisture infiltration around your window, it might be time to consider investing in a new drip *** This L-shaped flashing piece goes on top of the window after it's been installed but before siding is put in and assists in directing water away from the frame It's an easy project that can help prevent the damage caused by moisture, and also help you save in maintenance costs later on Install a dam at the end of the window *** flashing to keep water from getting into the trim at the ends Simply use a pair of Tin snips to make an insignificant "flap" on both sides of the trim This fold will stop rain from falling down the ends of the flashing and into the wood framing MS Windows and Doors also provides drip caps that are manufactured with an end dam These preformed drip caps are available in various color variants and can be added to your order when you order your window Install the head flashing under the sheathing, which is above the drip *** This is the same flashing that you use under the J channel on the outside trim It is best to cover only the edges of the head flashing, and not the entire length The head flashing is slit at a 45 on each corner, creating a small flap, and then it's folded back and skipped taped again to the sheathing This creates a small outlet to let any water pass through the WRB and into the house sheathing above the window You can caulk the top edge of your drip *** after you have attached it to the sheathing This will stop moisture from penetrating the wood of the window sill, housewrap or siding that is above the window Remember that moisture can cause structural problems and wood rot, so it is best to prevent moisture from entering your home Sash Weights The weights on windows also called sashweights, or sashlines help to balance the sashes and prevent them from moving when they are opened The weights themselves might need to be replaced or they could simply be tangled and require to be loosened It's also possible that the counter balances will need to be replaced Pam examines the outside of the window first to ensure there are no visible damages or rots that require to be addressed before beginning the work If there is, she'll need make the repairs prior to attempting to restore the windows She starts by removing the stopper parting and interior sash stop on both sides of the window This involves cutting the paint line on each side of the interior sash stop with a utility knife and cutting it off using a woodworking tool Pam states that this step is important because using a mallet to remove the stops, they could crack or split She recommends using a small woodworking tool with a narrow blade After removing the stops, she can take off the sashes She will remove the bottom sash, then the top Pam is able to lubricate the sash cords to allow them to move smoothly After the sashes have been removed, she can pull the sash cord out and locate the metal hooks that attach to each sash weight These are usually damaged and require to be replaced Then, she takes one of the old sash weights out of its pocket and replaces it with an entirely new one The sash is weighed on an instrument and then examines the weights Then she replaces the weight with a new one that matches the weight of the sash She repeats the process for the second sash to ensure it is properly balanced Once the sashes are placed back into place She uses a level to check that they're in the right place She also lubricates the cords in order so that they move more easily, and tightens the counterbalance hooks