Finley Collee спросил 8 месяцев назад
When It’s Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, it’s important to be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.
Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a quick fix for a damaged window. This will keep snow, rain, and insects from entering your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. 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 an abrupt temperature change it is crucial to have them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are operating effectively.
If your window is damaged but not broken, a simple fix is to apply clear tape to it. It’s an easy and affordable solution that provides protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris and also keep out the elements.
If the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, it’s recommended to seek out a professional. A skilled glazier can determine the root cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They typically occur when a sharp object is thrown at your upvc window repairs with enough force that it breaks. The cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they fall loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double glazing repair-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress crack which develops gradually as time passes because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.
A more serious but still possible crack is the pressure crack. It’s usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be the result of high or low air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion 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, will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you’d prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and glazier prevent further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at all.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp area under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture which can cause a number of problems within your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house.
It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or coming from the outside. Don’t put off leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.
In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all you need to stop leaks. You’ll need to carefully clean the area first, though, and get rid of any old caulking prior to applying a new layer.
Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.
Examine the seal between the double-paned window and the frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. Over time the seal will be worn out and allow water into your home.
Another sign of a leak is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture that weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. You might also find peeling paint caused by the effects of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & 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 of tempered glass were available. Today, they’re mainly utilized as a decorative element in a few older homes.
Rain or wind can cause damage to one support or a small group, leaving a crack in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle parts.
First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that does not leave traces. Remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter’s masking tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying particular attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If you have an even more serious issue, such as a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, then it’s probably recommended to replace the sash. In these instances you’ll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both style and size.
For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with the muntins being that are glued to the surface which gives them a split 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 an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Most home centers sell these aluminum drip cap options for around $20. They’re much easier to install than windowsash replacements and will provide you with the same functionality as a real mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a signal that you must contact a professional. A sash that is broken ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a broken window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed sash cords. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and is possible in the majority of double-hung windows. To begin, you’ll need to remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. Press upwards on the side of the sash (it doesn’t matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to pull it out. To access the cords of the sash, you’ll need to remove with care the strip of separation that separates the sash.
After you’ve removed the sash, you must take the time to examine its metal tabs against the tabs on your new sash. If they’re different, it will be hard to place the new one into its slot and impact how the sash operates. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at their correct locations on your new window.
You’ll need to inspect your window frame, too, for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and break down over time. You should fix any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a more serious issue.
If your window frames are in bad condition, you’ll have to treat them with a homemade preservative created using half mineral spirits and half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can then re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.