How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time
Cracks in your windows can be caused by a severe storm, lawnmowers hurling rocks or an accident. You may be able to get by with some temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman from Anne Arundel and North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.
The use of clear masking tape or packing tape can stop superficial cracks like spider cracks from getting more severe. Tape both sides of the crack.
Frames that are rotten
The rot of wood around windows is not only unsightly however, it could be a danger to your safety. It can also decrease the energy efficiency of a home. Frames that are rotten permit cold air to enter your home, and warm air to escape, costing you money. The rotting wood allows moisture to enter the frame and causes it to deteriorate. This affects the frame's capacity to keep the temperature or cool inside your home.
A weak window frame can make your home vulnerable to burglars who are able to easily break 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.
If your window frames and sills are rotten, it's essential to fix them as soon as possible before the issue gets worse. The first sign of rot will be visible cracks or discolorations within the paint. The more advanced signs of rotting will include a soft feel to the wood, or a buildup of mold on the inside of the window frames.
It is essential to call an expert when you spot any of the above problems. Wood rot spreads rapidly, so the sooner it is addressed more affordable and less it will be to fix. If you put off addressing it until all the wood has turned to rot and is unaffordable to repair.
Fortunately, window frames that are rotting and sills can be repaired in 95% of the cases where the rot has been caught early. Our experienced and skilled technicians can repair the damaged areas of the frame, resulting in windows as fresh as new.
Muntins and Mullions
The mullions and muntins that are between the panes of your windows serve as more than just decorative elements. They also serve to support the glass. As such, they are a common component of a window that can become damaged or broken. It doesn't matter if they are real, fake or both, but if your muntins or mullions get cracked, chipped or damaged, it is essential to fix them. They can make your home appear less attractive.
Muntins & Mullions
While they look alike and are often confused for one another (perhaps the alliteration can help), mullions and muntins are two different window components. To avoid confusion and miscommunication, a reputable window installation company will clarify the distinctions between these two parts.
Mullions, also known as the glass panes' dividers, are a typical component of traditional multi-pane windows. In the past, they were utilized to support and separate large sheets of glass. They are now an attractive and stylish element that provides a timeless look to your home.
Although mullions aren't the strongest part of your window, they offer some security. If a burglar breaks one of your window panes, he or she will likely smash the mullion too to gain entry into your home.
Putty can be used to repair damaged mullions or muntins. Window repair specialists clean the surface and apply new putty before re-securing the mullions and muntins. This is an easy window repair that shouldn't affect the functionality of your window.
If your windows are leaky or not opening and closing properly, it could be due to issues with the sashes, or frames. Some sashes get stuck in frames due to broken cords or springs. They could be too heavy or have fallen off the track. Rebalancing springs and weights can make a sash difficult to raise or lower.
The wood strips that hold a single sheet of glass in place on an older window are referred to as muntins or mullions. If they rot, you will need to replace them. Window repair professionals can replace the rotted muntins or mullions, and they won't affect the purpose of your windows.
The sills of old windows may not slope enough to allow for drainage of water. It is essential to inspect the sill and ensure that it slopes downwards, away from the home. If it isn't the drip cap can easily be put in place. It's an easy task that will greatly minimize the possibility of water infiltration.
Sashes
If window sashes aren't functioning properly, 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, air or water can easily enter the room. Aluminum sashes may become unsuitable because of similar incidents. The dampness and sweating around windows are typical signs of these issues.
Most often sash problems result from simple wear and tear. They can be corrected by filling and sanding the area, then re-painting. More serious issues will require the disassembly. This is a job best left to professional window repair firms.
The sash is removed by first by removing the locking pins as well as the sash cords from the window frame. Then, take out the parting beads (vertical strips of wood holding the upper sash) and pull out the upper sash. After the sash is removed, you can take it off and store the hardware for the sash.
The mortise and tenon joints are joined by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs with pin punches and hammers. The majority of the time one side of a peg is bigger than the other and should be removed from the smaller end to avoid damaging the sash.
Once the sash is completely dismantled, you'll be able see the pockets that hold the glass panes. The pockets are usually screwed or pinned into place. They must be gently smashed by a sharp knife.
The sash is then ready to be glazed with a new compound. The author beds the sash by holding it against an easel and 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 days before being reassembled. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preserver made of one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiled linseed oil. This can help to reduce the amount of draughts that enter and improve the ability to close and open the window.
Caps with drip Caps
Drip caps are simple, almost invisible caps that divert rainwater away from window frames in an event of storm. They are typically made from wood but can also be made from bricks or other masonry. Some drip caps are designed to look attractive, while others are more utilitarian in appearance. A high-quality drip cap will be resistant to the elements and keep water from getting into casings where it could cause wood decay.
With a few basic tools, and a bit of knowledge, a drip-cap is easily installed by a homeowner. However, many homeowners prefer to have an expert contractor install their drip cap. A drip cap should be secured to the sheathing around the window, at least one inch from the trim board, and should be sloping away from the window. Use galvanized nails and apply a high-quality exterior grade sealant on the bottom of both the sheathing and the drip cap.
Homeowners can make drip caps at home using sheets of aluminum, a vice, and a few basic tools. To make this happen, the homeowner must first remove or pry up the top row of the window. Then, they will be able to cut the drip cap to a length that is slightly larger than the the window. After the drip cap has been cut, it is placed under the tape and secured with galvanized nails onto the sheathing. It is essential 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.