How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time
Cracks in your windows can result from a violent storm, a lawnmower throwing rocks or an accident. It is possible to make do with a few temporary fixes until Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel and North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.
The use of clear packing tape or masking tape can stop superficial cracks such as spider cracks from getting worse. Tape both sides of the crack.
Rotted Frames
The rot of wood around windows is not just unsightly, but it can be a security risk. It can also decrease the insulation value of a home. Frames that are rotten permit cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape, which costs you money. The wood that is rotting allows moisture into the frame and causes it to weaken. This affects the frame's ability to maintain heat or cool in your home.
Additionally, a weak window frame leaves your home vulnerable to intruders who could easily penetrate the window and gain access to your home's interior. Rebuilding and repairing wooden windows can prevent this kind of damage, and make your home more secure and appealing.
It's important to repair your window sills or frames made of wood in the earliest time possible to prevent the issue from getting worse. The first sign of rot will be visible cracks or discolorations of the paint. The more advanced signs of rotting could be a softer feeling to the wood, or the appearance of mold on the interior of your window frames.
It is crucial to speak with a professional when you spot any of the above issues. Wood rot spreads quickly and the earlier you tackle it, the less expensive and less difficult to repair. In fact, if you wait until the wood is completely rotted, it'll be impossible to repair.
Fortunately, rotting window frames and sills are repairable in 95% of the cases where the rot has been detected early. Our technicians are highly skilled and will repair the rotting parts of the frame to give you windows that look like new.
Muntins and Mullions
The mullions or muntins between your window panes function as more than simply decorative elements. They also help support the glass. As such, they are an extremely common part of a window that can become damaged or broken. It does not matter if they're real, faux or a combination of both, If your mullions, muntins, or mullions become chipped, cracked, or dented, it is crucial to repair them. They can make your home appear less appealing.
Muntins & Mullions
While they look similar and are often confused with one another (perhaps the alliteration can help) Multins and mullions are two distinct components of a window. A reputable window installation firm will explain the distinctions between them to avoid miscommunication and confusion.
Mullions, also known as the glass panes' dividers, are a common feature in traditional multi-pane windows. In the past, they were utilized to support and separate large sheets of glass. Nowadays, they are a decorative and design element that provides an elegant look to your home.
While mullions aren't the most secure part of your window, they provide some security. If a burglar breaks one of your window panes he or she will likely break the mullion as well to gain entry into your home.
Putty can be used to fix damaged mullions and muntins. Window repair specialists clean the surface and apply new putty prior to re-securing them. This is a fairly simple window repair and should not impact the performance of your windows.
If your windows are leaky or not opening and closing correctly, there could be issues with the sashes or frames. In some cases, the sashes are stuck in their frames due to broken cords or springs. The sashes could also be too heavy or they may have slipped off the track. A sash that is hard to lower or raise can be repaired by balancing the weights and springs.
The wood strips that hold a single sheet of glass in position on a window that is older are referred to as muntins or mullions. If they begin to rot and need to be replaced, they should be replaced. Window repair specialists can replace rotten muntins and the mullions with no impact on the function of your windows.
The sills of older windows might not slope downward enough to allow drainage of water. Examine the sill to ensure that it is sloping away from the house. If it's not, a new drip cap can be put in place. It's a simple task that will greatly minimize the possibility of water infiltration.
Sashes
If your window sashes are not functioning correctly, it is important to look into the issue. Wooden windows sashes can be affected by weather changes and the passage of time. If they don't open properly, air or water can easily enter the room. A similar event can cause aluminum sashes to become ineffective. A dampness or shivering around windows are common signs of these issues.
The most common cause of sash issues is simple wear and tear. They are often fixed by filling, sanding and painting over. More serious problems will require the removal of the window. This should be left to window repair professionals.
The sash is disassembled by first by removing the locking pins as well as the sash cords from the window frame. Next, remove the parting beads (vertical strips of wood that hold the upper sash) and pull out the upper sash. When the sash is completely free, you can remove the sash hardware and store it in a safe location.
The mortise and tenon joints of the sash are held by wooden pegs. Take the pegs off using a hammer and pin punch. Iver double glazing of the time one side of a peg is larger than the other and must be driven away from the smaller side to avoid damaging the sash.
When the sash has been completely removed, you'll be able see the pockets that support the glass panes. These pockets are often secured by screws or pins and should be gently prised out with a sharp knife.
The sash is now ready to be glazed with new compound. The author is able to bed the sash with an easel that is made from scrap wood, securing it against the easel while forming the compound into an edging or rabbet around the pane's opening. The sash should be allowed to dry for at least two days before it can be reassembled. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preserver created using a mix of mineral spirits and boiled linseed oils. This reduces the amount of draughts and also improve the ability of the window to be closed and opened.
Drip Caps
Drip caps are simple, almost invisible caps that redirect water away from windows during a rainstorm. They are usually made of wood, but could also be constructed of bricks or other types of masonry. Some drip caps have an attractive appearance, while others are more functional. No matter what the design, a good quality drip cap ought to be capable of enduring the elements and prevent water from leaking behind the casings, which could cause wood decay.
With just a few tools, and a bit of know-how, a drip cap can be easily installed by a home owner. However, many homeowners prefer having a professional contractor install their drip cap. The drip cap must be affixed to the sheathing around windows at least an inch away from trim board and it should slope away from the window. Use galvanized nails, and apply a high-quality exterior grade sealant on the underside of the sheathing and the drip cap.
Homeowners can create drip caps at home using a sheet aluminum with a vice, a few simple tools. To do this homeowners must first take off or cut the siding on top of the window, and then cut a drip cap to a length slightly larger than the window. After the drip cap has been cut, it is slipped under the tape and nailed with galvanized nails onto the sheathing. It is crucial to nail the cap at both ends, and that it is nailed to the sheathing in a manner that it will not move, even with the weight of the siding and sheathing connected.