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When It's Time to Repair Windows If your windows require repair, it's important to be careful when working. The first step is to wear a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to prevent shards of glass from cutting you during your work. A quick fix for a window that is broken is to apply an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects from getting into your home. Glass that has cracked Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to enter. Whether the cracks were caused by an impact (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, like a sudden change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly. Use clear tape to cover your damaged window, even if it's not damaged. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from water, dust, bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the elements. If the crack is getting larger or is getting more extensive, it is best to speak with a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair method. A crack caused by an impact is the most common type of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous if they become loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your windows. Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown breaks. A pressure crack is a more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of the window. It could be the result of high or low air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass. If you're ready to take further than nail polish and tape, there are several other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to do it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks at any point. Leaking Windows If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it could be time for a windows repair. In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can worsen allergies. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the home. It is recommended to contact an expert if the water is visible or leaking from outside. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage. In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all you need to stop the leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first, but you must also take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer. It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater but can become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris. Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This creates a gas barrier between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal may be worn out and allow water to enter your home. Water stains on walls and ceiling are another sign of a leak. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. You might also find peeling paint caused by the effects of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling it away from the wall. Faux Muntins & Mullions In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in the classic multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. They're mostly used as decorative elements in a few older homes. Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can be damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements. First, clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave a residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After Mile End double glazing repairs cut the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat. If the issue is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these cases you'll need to search for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of the design and size. For a less expensive alternative, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows consist of a glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. These windows are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones. Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at the majority of home centers for around $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same function as a genuine mullion, or a muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for some help. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, you should replace it immediately to ensure that the window is sealed. The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. Fortunately, replacing them is fairly easy and is possible in all double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash, and then pull it toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash. It's important that you compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they are different it will be difficult to put the new sash into its proper slot and will affect how well the sash performs. This can be corrected by placing the tabs in their proper places on the new window. You'll need to check your window frame as well to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's recommended to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as soon as you can, to avoid a more serious issue. If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can then restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window against the elements.