What Experts Say You Should Be Able To

When It's Time to Repair Windows
It is essential to be cautious when you are repairing windows. The first step is to put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent shards of glass from cutting you during your work.
An easy fix for a broken window is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects from getting into the home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked not only makes your home look less appealing but let drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, like soccer or a baseball, or stress, like the sudden temperature change, it is essential to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning properly.
Use clear tape to cover your damaged window, even if it's not damaged. This is a quick, low-cost solution to protect your window from water, dust bugs, and other debris. It also keeps out the elements.
If the crack is getting larger or has become deep, it is advised to seek advice from an expert. An experienced glazier will be able to determine the cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair procedure.
An impact crack is the most frequent type of window break typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could affect the gas between the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.
Another type of crack is a stress crack, which develops gradually as time passes because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and eventually expand into full-blown break.
A more serious but doable crack is one that is a pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of the window. It can be the result of low or high air pressure that can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.
If you're willing to go a step beyond nail polish and tape there are several alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If lowest price prefer to go the DIY route, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window appear like it has never had cracks in the first place!
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp zone under your window, or the wood around it appears weak or rotting, it might be the time to fix your windows. In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the home.
If the water is coming from outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to contact a professional to help you with the repairs immediately. Leaking windows are among the main causes of mold and structural damage and should not be left untreated.
In many instances, a single layer of caulking is all you need to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area, but you must also take off any caulking that is old before applying new caulking.
It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they can also become blocked in time due to insect corpses or other debris.
If windows are double-paned You'll also have to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. Over time the seal may be worn out and allow water to enter your home.
Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in classic multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass with tempered were made available. Today, they're only used as a decorative feature in some older homes.
Wind or rain can damage the support of a single piece or small portion of them, resulting in a crack in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying parts.
First, clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave a residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Now, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying particular attention to areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint completely dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.
If the issue is more serious like an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these situations it is essential to locate a replacement window that matches the style and size of the existing one.
Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows are constructed of a full glass pane, with a set of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.
Installing a drip cap can stop water from getting into the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash and will provide you with the same functionality as a genuine mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash must be a sign that you must contact a professional. If not taken care of, a damaged sash could cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.
The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in all double-hung windows. You'll first need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash and then pull it toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. You'll need to remove the parting strip that separates the sash from the other to allow access to the area where the sash cords are.
After you've removed your sash, be sure to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're not the same it's difficult to insert the new one into its slot and affect how the sash functions. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs at their correct locations on your new window.
You'll need to check the frame of your window, too to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down over time. If you find any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the development of a larger issue.
If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made with half mineral spirits and half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements too.