A Handbook For Windows Repair From Beginning To End

How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

Cracks in your windows could be caused by a bad storm, a lawnmower throwing rocks or an accident. You might be able to get by with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel & North PG professional comes to fix the damage.

A clear masking tape or packing tape can keep superficial cracks, such a spider cracks, from getting worse. Be sure to tape both sides of the crack.

Rotted Frames

Wood rot around windows isn't just ugly and a potential safety hazard and a potential safety hazard, it also decreases the insulation value of your home. Rotted frames can allow cold air in your home and warm air to escape, causing you to lose money. This is because the decaying wood allows moisture enter and weaken the interior frame, decreasing its capacity to keep cool or warm air in your home.

A weak window frame leaves your home vulnerable to intruders who can easily break through the window to access your home's interior. This type of damage can be prevented by repairing and reinstalling your wooden windows. Your home will be more attractive and safe.

It is crucial to repair your window sills or frames made of wood as soon as possible and before the problem gets worse. The first sign of rot is usually visible cracks or discolorations of the paint. The wood might feel soft or mold may develop on the inside of window frames.

It is essential to call an expert as soon as you notice any of the above problems. Wood rot can spread quickly, so the sooner it is addressed, the cheaper and easier it will cost to fix. In fact, if you do not address the issue until the wood is completely rotten, it will be impossible to repair.

Fortunately, windows with rotting frames and sills are repairable in 95% of the cases where the rot has been caught early. Our technicians are highly skilled and will replace the rotting parts of the frame, giving windows that look as new.

Muntins and Mullions

The mullions and muntins that are between your window panes function as more than just decorative elements. They also serve to support the glass. As such, they are a very common component of a window that can become damaged or broken. They can be fake or real, when your mullions and muntins get cracked, chipped, or dented it is imperative to have them repaired, since they can be a major detriment from the overall appearance of your home.

Muntins & Mullions

While they look alike and are often mistaken for one another (perhaps the alliteration helps), mullions and muntins are two distinct components of a window. A reputable window installation company will explain the distinctions between them to avoid confusion and confusion.

Mullions, also known as the glass panes' dividers, are a typical component of traditional multi-pane windows. In the past, they were used to support and separate large sheets of glass. They are now used as an element of decoration and design for 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 also break the mullion to get into your home.

Broken mullions and muntins can be repaired with putty. Window repair professionals clean the surface and apply fresh putty before resecuring them. This is an easy repair that won't alter the functionality of your window.

There may be a problem with the frames or sashes if the windows leak or fail to shut and open correctly. Some sashes become stuck in frames due to broken cords or springs. The sashes may also be too heavy or they may have slipped off the track. A sash that is difficult to lower or raise can usually be corrected by balancing the weights and springs.

The wood strips that hold a single pane of glass in place on an older window are called muntins, or mullions. If they start to decay they must be replaced. Window repair professionals can replace the muntins or mullions, and they won't interfere with the function of your windows.

One of the most prevalent problems with old windows is the sill, which might not slope downward enough to allow water to drain off. Check the sill to make sure that it slopes away from the home. If it does not, a drip cap can easily be installed. It's an easy task that will greatly minimize the possibility of moisture infiltration.

Sashes

If your window sashes are not functioning properly, it's vital to examine the situation. The weather and time can have a direct impact on wooden window sashes. When they fail to open properly, water or air can easily enter the room. Similar events can cause aluminum sashes to become unsuitable. Sweating or dampness on the windows is a common indicator of these issues.

Most of the time, sash issues result from simple wear and tear. They can be fixed by sanding and filling the area, then re-painting. More serious issues will require the removal of the window. This is a job best left to a professional window repair company.

The sash is disassembled by first taking the locking pins off and the sash cords from the window frame. Then, take out the parting beads (vertical strips of wood holding the upper sash) and then pull out the upper sash. After the sash is removed, it is possible to remove and store the hardware of the sash.

The mortise and tenon joints are held together by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs using pin punch and hammer. The pegs tend to be larger on one side than on the other. Take the pegs from the shorter end to avoid damaging the sash.

You can see the pockets where the glass panes are tucked after the sash has been completely removed. These pockets are typically fixed by screws or pins. They should be gently prised using a sharp blade.

Once pockets are removed, the sash can be bedded in new glazing compound. The person who is beding the sash by putting it against a homemade easel, and then working the compound into the groove, or rabbet, around the opening of the pane. After the sash is dipped, it is allowed to dry for two full days before being put back together. The sash will then be treated with a homemade wood preserver made by mixing mineral spirits and boiled linseed oil. This can reduce the amount of draughts and improve the ability to close and open the window.

Drip Caps

Drip caps are simple, almost imperceptible caps that divert water away from windows during a rainstorm. They are typically made of wood but can also be constructed from bricks or other masonry materials. Some drip caps sport aesthetic appeal, whereas others are more functional. No matter what the style, a high-quality drip cap ought to be capable of enduring the elements and stop water from seeping behind casings, which can cause wood decay.

A drip cap can be installed by a homeowner using a few basic tools and some basic knowledge. Many homeowners prefer to hire an expert to install their drip cap. A drip cap should be nailed around a window, at least one inch from the trim board, and it should slope away from the window. It is important to use galvanized nails and to apply a premium exterior sealant that is suitable for the underside of the drip cap and the sheathing.

Drip caps can be bought in bulk from home improvement stores and window stores or homeowners can create them at home with an aluminum sheet with a vice and a few basic tools. To do this first, the homeowner needs to remove or cut the top row of the window. Then, they'll be able to cut the drip-cap to a length that is slightly larger than the width of the window. After the drip cap is cut, it is placed under the flashing tape and nailed to sheathing with galvanized nails. The cap must be nailed at both ends and attached to the sheathing.