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When It's Time to Repair Windows It's important to be careful when you are repairing windows. First, put on a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to prevent glass shards from cutting you during your work. An easy fix for a window that is broken is to apply a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering the home. Cracked Glass Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less appealing and let drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or baseball, or stress, like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows working effectively. If your window is cracked but not broken, a simple solution is to use clear tape to cover it. Enfield double glazing repairs is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from water, dust bugs and other sand. It also helps keep out the elements. However, if the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's best to seek out a professional. A professional glazier will determine the root of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure. A crack caused by an impact is the most frequent kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your windows. Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edge of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown breaks. A pressure crack is a more severe crack however it can be repaired. It is a curvy curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by low or high pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract. If you're looking 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 it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather do it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at any point. Leaking Windows If you notice a damp zone under your window, or the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions which can cause a number of problems within your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home. It is best to call a professional if the water is visible or comes from the outside. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of mold and structural damage and should not be left untreated. In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is enough to stop the 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 off excess rainwater, but they could be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time. Examine the seal between your double-paned windows and the frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. As time passes, the seal can be worn out and allow water into your home. Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indicator of the presence of a leak. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated with water. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall. Faux Muntins & Mullions In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in classic multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII They went out of fashion. They're mainly used as decorative elements in some older homes. Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. The good part is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle components. First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that doesn't leave any residue. Then, take off any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat. If the problem is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In such cases you'll need to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of the design and size. If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are made of a glass pane that has a series of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows. Installing a drip cap can prevent water from leaking into the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same functions as a genuine mullion or muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for some help. A broken sash, if left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've broken a sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and operating. Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed the sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. Push up on the other 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. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords are located. After you've removed your sash, you must take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to the tabs on the new sash. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to place the new sash in its proper slot and will affect the way that the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing tabs in their proper positions on the new window. You'll need to inspect your window frame, too for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood shrinks and wears down over time. You should repair any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a more serious issue. If your window frames have deteriorated and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created with half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.