When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to be careful when working. The first step is to wear a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to stop glass shards from cutting you during your work.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a quick fix for a cracked window. This will keep rain, snow, and insects from entering your home.

Cracked glass

Cracked window glass not only make your home appear less appealing but also let drafts and other elements to enter the home. If double glazed window repairs www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk were caused by an collision (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change it is crucial to have them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows working properly.


Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it's not broken. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters, as well as keeping out the weather.

If the crack is severe or is getting worse, you should seek out a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.

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 break it. These cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be dangerous if they come loose. This crack can compromise the gas in the panes of the double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack, which develops gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks.

A more serious but still possible crack is a pressure crack. This is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by high or low pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

If you're willing to go further than nail polish and tape there are several other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you prefer to DIY epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness under your window, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or decaying, it might be time to consider a window repair project. In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mildew and mold, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can affect the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

It is best to call a professional if the water is visible or leaking from the outside. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of mold and structural damage So don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is all you need to stop the leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need to clean the area and remove any caulking you have already applied.

You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.

If you have double-paned windows it is also necessary to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will ensure a barrier between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. Over time, the seal can get worn out and let water to enter your home.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated with moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are referred to in the UK), separated and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're used only as decorative elements in a few older homes.

The effects of rain or wind can harm one support or a small portion of them, resulting in cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying elements.

First, clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. Once you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a thick layer of white paint, paying special focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Allow the paint to completely dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the problem is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these 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, with the muntins being that are glued to the surface creating a divided appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're a lot easier to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functions as an authentic mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you must contact a professional. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've broken a sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.

Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly installed cords for sash. Luckily, replacing these is quite simple and is possible in most double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Press upwards on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to take it off. To reach the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove the strip that separates the sash.

After you've removed your sash, you must take the time to compare its metal tabs to the ones on the new sash. If they're not the same, it will be hard to place the new one into its slot and impact how the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.

You'll have to examine your window frame, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down over time. If you find any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid the development of a larger issue.

If your window frames are deteriorating they can be treated with a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiling in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A new coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements as well.