How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time
Cracks in your windows could be caused by a bad storm, lawnmowers hurling a rock or an accident. You could make do with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel & North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.
A strip of clear masking or packing tape can prevent superficial cracks, such as spider cracks, from escalating. Tape both sides of the crack.
Frames that are Rotted
Wood rot around your windows is not only unsightly, but it can also be a safety hazard. It can also decrease the insulation value of a house. Frames that are damaged by rot can allow cold air in your home and warm air to escape, causing you to lose money. The rotting wood allows moisture to enter the frame and causes it to weaken. This affects the frame's ability to maintain heat or cool in your home.
A frayed window frame could also make your home vulnerable to burglars who are in a position to easily break the window and gain access to your home's interior. This kind of damage can be avoided by repairing and rebuilding your wooden windows. Your home will look more attractive and safe.
If your window frames and sills are rotten, it's essential to have them repaired immediately before the issue gets worse. The first sign of rot will be visible cracks or discolorations of the paint. The more advanced signs of rotting may include a soft feel to the wood, or the appearance of mold on the interior of the window frames.
It is essential to call a professional when you spot any of the above issues. Wood rot can spread quickly and the earlier it is dealt with, the cheaper and easier it will cost to fix. If you wait until all the wood has turned to rot and is unaffordable to repair.
Fortunately, window frames that are rotting and sills can be fixed in 99% of cases where the rot has been discovered early. Our experienced and skilled technicians can replace the areas that are rotting on the frame, leaving you with windows that look as like new.
Muntins and Mullions
The muntins or mullions between your window panes serve as more than just decorative elements. They also serve to support the glass. As such, they are an extremely common part of a window that can become damaged or broken. They can be fake or real, when your mullions and muntins get damaged, chipped or dented it is imperative to have them repaired, since they can be a major hindrance to the look of your home.
Muntins & Mullions
While they look similar and are often mistaken for each other (perhaps the alliteration helps) Multins and mullions are two distinct components of a window. A reliable window installation company explains the differences between them to avoid miscommunication and confusion.
Mullions or dividers are common in multi-paned windows. In the past they were used as a support and to separate large sheets. Nowadays, they are an attractive and stylish element that gives a timeless look to your home.
Although mullions may not be the most durable part of your window, they provide some security. If a burglar damages one of your window panes he or she will likely also break the mullion to get into your home.
Putty can be used to fix damaged mullions and muntins. Window repair experts clean the surface apply new putty and then re-secure them. This is a relatively easy repair to your windows and shouldn't impact the performance of your windows.
If your windows are leaky or aren't closing and opening correctly, there could be issues with the sashes, or frame. In certain instances, the sashes may be stuck in their frames due to broken springs or cords. They could also be too heavy, or have been thrown off the track. A sash that is hard to raise or lower can usually be corrected by balancing the springs and weights.
The wood strips that hold a single piece of glass in the window of an older one are called muntins, or mullions. If they start to decay they must be replaced. Window repair experts can replace the muntins and mullions, and they won't affect the function of your windows.
The sills of older windows might not slope downward enough to allow for drainage of water. It is essential to inspect the sill and make sure that it slopes downwards, away from the home. If it doesn't the drip cap can easily be installed. It's a simple task that can greatly reduce the chance of moisture infiltration.
Sashes
If window sashes don't function correctly it's time to take an examination of the situation. The weather and the time can have a direct impact on wooden window sashes. If they don't open properly, water or air can enter the room quickly. Aluminum sashes could become unsuitable because of similar events. Sweating or dampness on the windows is a common indicator of such issues.
Most often, sash issues result from simple wear and tear. They are often fixed by filling, sanding and re-painting. More serious issues may require the removal of the entire structure. This is best left to window repair experts.
The disassembly of the sash starts by removing the locking pins from the top of the window frame. Then, taking off the sash cords. Then, remove the parting bead (vertical strips that hold the upper window sash). Finally take out the upper window sash. Once the sash is unlocked, you can take it off the hardware for the sash and store it in a safe place.
The mortise and the tenon joints of the sash are held together by wooden pegs. Take the pegs off using a hammer and pin punch. The pegs are often larger on one side than the other. Drive out the pegs from the shorter end in order to avoid damaging the sash.
You can see the pockets in which the glass panes are tucked after the sash has been completely disassembled. window repairs are typically secured by screws or pins and must be gently pulled out with a sharp knife.
Once the pockets are removed the sash can be bedded in a new glazing compound. The author beds the sash by holding it against a homemade easel and then working the compound into the groove or rabbet around the pane's opening. The sash needs to dry for a minimum of two days before it can be put back together. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preserver made from a mixture of mineral spirits and boiled linseed oils. This will reduce the amount draughts, and improve the capacity of the window to be closed and opened.
Drip Caps
Drip caps are simple, nearly invisible caps that redirect rainwater away from window frames in an event of storm. They are usually made of wood, but they can also be constructed from bricks or other types of masonry. Some drip caps are designed to be attractive and others are more utilitarian in appearance. Regardless of design, a good quality drip cap should be able to withstand the elements and stop water from leaking behind the casings, which can cause wood decay.
With a few simple tools, and a bit of knowledge, a drip-cap is easily installed by a homeowner. Many homeowners prefer to hire a professional to install their drip cap. A drip cap must be nailed to the sheathing around the window at least one inch away from the trim board and should be sloping away from the window. Use galvanized nails, and apply an exterior grade, high-quality sealant on the underside of both the sheathing and drip cap.
Drip caps can be purchased in bulk from home improvement stores and window stores or homeowners can make them at home with a sheet of aluminum with a vice and a few basic tools. To do this the homeowner has to first remove or pry up the top row of the window. Then, they will be able to cut a drip-cap to a length that is slightly larger than the size of the window. After the drip cap is cut, it's slipped under the tape, and then nailed with galvanized nails onto the sheathing. The cap should be nailed on both ends and firmly fixed to the sheathing.