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 Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window This will keep snow, rain and insects out of your home Cracked Glass Cracked window glass not only makes your home look less appealing, but it can also let drafts and other elements into the home If the cracks were caused by an collision like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball or are the result of stress, such as a sudden change in temperature it is crucial to have them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are working properly If your window is damaged but not broken, a quick solution is to apply clear tape to cover it This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs and other debris It also helps keep out the weather If the crack is getting larger or has become large, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional A skilled glazier will be able to determine the cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair procedure A crack caused by an impact is the most common type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it These cracks usually display an explosion of lines and broken pieces They can be dangerous in the event that they become loose The crack could compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency Another kind of crack is a stress crack which can develop gradually over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks A more serious, but possible crack is a pressure crack It is a curvy curve that extends across the window on one or more sides It could be caused by low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability If you prefer to DIY epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage It will make your window appear like it never had any cracks at any point Leaking Windows If you notice a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or decaying, it might be time to consider a window repair project Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture and can cause numerous issues in your home They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen symptoms of allergies If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the house If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's best to seek out a professional to help you repair the issue immediately Do not ignore windows that are leaking They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop leaks Before applying the caulking, it's necessary clean the area and get rid of any existing caulking Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time If windows have double panes it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes and make windows more efficient Over https//penzucom/p/e408868b42d9d5b8 will wear out and allow water into your home Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indication of the presence of a leak They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it from the wall Faux Muntins amp; Mullions In the past muntins or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK, separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available They're mostly used as a decorative feature in a few older homes Wind or rain can damage a single support or a small group, leaving cracks in the window The good part is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components Clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave a residue Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying close attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first coat Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat If the problem is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash In these situations it's crucial to find a replacement window that matches the style and size of the present one Installing a grid window is a less expensive option These windows come with a complete pane of glass, with the muntins being glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however Installing a drip cap will stop water from getting into the window frame The majority of home centers sell aluminum drip cap options for around 20 They are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same function as a real mullion or a muntin Broken Sashes amp; Frames A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time to seek some help If it's not checked the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill If you've broken a sash you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and operating The problem is often caused by damaged or improperly installed cords Fortunately, replacing them is quite simple and is possible in all double-hung windows To begin, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that keep the sash in place Push up on the other side of the sash it doesn't matter which side and then pull towards the opposite side in order to pull it out To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove the strip that separates the sash After you've removed your sash, be sure to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of the new sash If they're different, it can be difficult to insert the new sash in its proper slot and will affect the way that the sash operates This can be corrected by putting 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 recommended to do this regularly as wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, especially with exposure to the elements It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a larger problem If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative made with half mineral spirits and half boiled the linseed oil After the treatment has dried, you can restore your frames using the finest latex paint A new coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements, as well