How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

Cracks in your windows could result from a violent storm, a lawnmower throwing rocks or an accident. You may be able to make do with a few temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel and North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.

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

Rotted Frames

The rot of wood around windows isn't just ugly and a risk to your safety, it also reduces the insulation value of your home. Frames that are rotten permit cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape, which costs you money. This is because decaying wood allows moisture penetrate and degrade the inner frame, decreasing its capacity to keep the cool or warm air in your home.

In addition, a weakened window frame leaves your home vulnerable to intruders who could easily penetrate the window repairs near me to gain access to your home's interior. Rebuilding and repairing your wooden windows will prevent this kind of damage, making your home more secure and appealing.

If your window sills and frames start to get rotten, it's crucial to have them repaired immediately prior to the problem spreading. The first indication of rot is usually visible cracks or discolorations of the paint. More advanced signs of rotting may include a softer feel to the wood, or a growth of mold on the inside of the window frames.

If you notice any of these signs you must contact a professional to inspect the damage and repair it as soon as you can. Wood rot spreads rapidly, so the sooner it is dealt with, the cheaper and easier it will be to repair. If you do not address it until the entire wood has rotted away and is unaffordable to fix.

Fortunately, window frames that are rotting and sills can be fixed in 95% of the cases where the rot is detected early. Our skilled and experienced technicians can repair the rotting areas of the frame, leaving you with windows as like 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 help support the glass. As such, they are a very common component of a window that can become damaged or broken. It doesn't matter if they are fake, real or a combination of both, when your mullions or muntins become chipped, cracked, or damaged, it is crucial to repair them. They can make your home look less appealing.

Muntins & Mullions

While they look alike and are often confused for each other (perhaps the alliteration aids) muntins and mullions are two distinct window components. To avoid confusion and miscommunication, a reputable window installation firm will explain the distinctions between these two parts.

Mullions or dividers are common in multi-paned windows. In the past, they were utilized to support and separate large sheets of glass. They are an ornamental element and as a design for your home.

The mullions on your windows aren't the strongest, but they do offer some security. If a burglar damages the window, sash he will probably cut the mullion in order to gain access to your home.

Putty can be used to repair broken mullions or muntins. Window repair specialists clean the surface and apply fresh putty prior to re-securing them. This is a straightforward window repair that shouldn't affect the functionality of your window.

If your windows are leaky or aren't closing correctly, there could be issues with the sashes or frames. In certain 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 fixed by re-balancing the weights and springs.

If you have an older windows with a single-pane of glass The wood strips that hold the glass in place are referred to as muntins or mullions. If they start to rot, you will need to replace them. Window repair professionals 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 for water drainage. Check the sill to make sure that it is sloping away from the house. If it isn't, a new drip cap can be installed. This simple task can reduce the chance of moisture infiltration.

Sashes

When window sashes stop functioning properly, it's time for an examination of the situation. Wooden window sashes can be easily affected by weather conditions and the passage of time. When they do not open properly, air or water can quickly get into the room. Aluminum sashes can be ineffective due to similar circumstances. The presence of damp or sweat on windows is an indication of these issues.

Most often sash problems result from simple wear and tear. They can usually be fixed by filling the sash, sanding and re-painting. However, more serious issues will require disassembly of the sash. This is a job best left to a professional window repair company.

Disassembly of the sash begins by taking the locking pins off the top of the window frame and removing the sash cords. Next, remove the parting beads (vertical strips of wood that hold the upper sash) and pull out the upper sash. Once the sash is free you can remove the sash hardware and store it in a safe place.

The mortise and tenon joints of the sash are joined by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs with a hammer and pin punch. Most of the time, one side of the peg is larger than the other, and should be driven out from the smaller end to avoid damaging the sash.

Once the sash is completely dismantled, you will be able to see the pockets that support the glass panes. The pockets are typically pinned or screwed into place and must be gently pulled out using a sharp knife.

After the pockets have been removed, the sash can be bedded in a new glazing compound. The person who is beding the sash by holding it up against a homemade easel, and then working the compound into the groove or rabbet, around the opening of the pane. Once the sash is bedded it is left to dry for two full days before being reassembled. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preservative that is made from one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiling linseed oil. This can reduce the amount of draughts and improve the ability to close and open the window.

Caps with drip Caps

Drip caps are basic, almost imperceptible caps that divert water away from window frames during a rainstorm. They are usually constructed from wood, but they can also be made from brick or another type of brick. Some drip caps are designed to look attractive, while others are more utilitarian. A high-quality drip cap will be capable of defending against the elements, and prevent water from leaking into the casings that could cause wood decay.

With a few simple tools, and a bit of know-how, a drip cap can easily be installed by a homeowner. Many homeowners prefer to hire a contractor to install their drip cap. The drip cap must be secured to the sheathing surrounding the window at least one inch away from trim board and it should slope away from the window. It is crucial to use galvanized nails and to apply a high-quality exterior sealant of the highest quality to the underside of the drip cap and the sheathing.

Homeowners can create drip caps at home with a sheet aluminum, a vice, and a few simple tools. To make them, the homeowner must first remove or cut the top row of the window. Then, they'll be able to cut the drip-cap to a length slightly wider than the the window. After the drip cap is cut, it's slipped under the tape, and then nailed using galvanized nails to the sheathing. The cap should be nailed on both ends and firmly fixed to the sheathing.