How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

A bad storm, a rock dropped by the lawnmowers or a mishap at home can cause your windows to crack. You might be able to manage with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel and North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.

The use of clear masking tape or packing tape can help prevent superficial cracks such as spider cracks from getting worse. Tape both sides of the crack.

Rotted Frames

Wood rot around your windows is not just unsightly, but it can also be a safety hazard. It can also reduce the insulation value of a home. Rotted frames allow cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape, which costs you money. This is because decaying wood allows moisture penetrate and deteriorate the inner frame, which reduces its ability to keep cool or warm air in your home.

A frayed window frame could make your home vulnerable to burglars who are able to easily break the window and gain entry to your home's interior. This type of damage could be avoided by repairing and re-building your wooden windows. Your home will become more attractive and secure.

It's important to repair your wooden window frames or sills in the earliest time possible to prevent the issue from getting worse. The first sign of rot is usually visible cracks or discolorations in the paint. The wood might appear soft or feel brittle, or mold could form on the inside of window frames.

If you experience any of these issues, it is imperative to call in an expert to assess the damage and fix it immediately. Wood rot is a fast-growing issue and the earlier you tackle it, the less expensive and simpler it will be to fix. If you wait until all the wood has rotted away it will be impossible to repair.

In 95% of the cases frames and sills that have rotted can be repaired if the rot is detected early. Our technicians are highly skilled and will replace the rotting parts of the frame to give windows that appear like new.

Muntins and Mullions

The muntins and mullions that separate your window panes aren't just ornamental they also help to support the glass. They are a typical part of windows that can be damaged or broken. They can be real or faux, when your mullions or muntins become damaged, chipped or damaged, it is essential to repair them, since they can be a major detriment to the appearance of your home.

Muntins & Mullions

Although they might appear similar, and are often confused (perhaps the alliteration can be helpful) Mullions, muntins and mullions are different window components. A reliable window installation company explains the differences between them to avoid miscommunication and confusion.

Mullions, also known as partitions between glass panes are a typical component of traditional multi-pane windows. In the past, they were used as support for the windows and also to separate large sheets. They are a decorative element and style in your home.

While mullions aren't the most secure part of your window, they do offer some security. If a thief breaks one of your window panes he or she will likely break the mullion as well to get into your home.

Putty can be used to repair damaged mullions and muntins. Window repair experts clean the surface, apply new putty, and then secure them back in place. It's a relatively simple window repair and should not interfere with the functioning of your windows.

There could be an issue with the frame or sashes if your windows leak or don't close and open properly. In some instances, the sashes get stuck in their frames due to broken springs or cords. They could be too heavy or have been thrown off the track. A sash that is difficult to raise or lower can usually be repaired by balancing the springs and weights.

If you have an older windows with a single-pane of glass the wood strips that hold the glass in place are known as muntins or mullions. If they start to rot they will require you to rebuild them. Window repair professionals can replace the muntins or mullions, and they won't affect the purpose of your windows.

The sills of old windows may not slope enough to allow drainage of water. It is essential to inspect the sill and ensure that it slopes downwards away from the home. If it doesn't then a drip cap could easily be put in place. This simple procedure can lower the likelihood of moisture infiltration.

Sashes

If window sashes don't function correctly it's time to take a closer look at the situation. Wooden window repairs near me sashes can be easily affected by weather conditions and the passage of time. If they don't open properly, air or water could enter the room swiftly. Aluminum sashes may be ineffective due to similar circumstances. Sweating or dampness on the windows is an indication of such problems.

Most often, sash issues are caused by simple wear and tear. They can be addressed by sanding and filling the area, then re-painting. However, more serious problems may require the dismantling of the sash. This is a task best left to professional window repair companies.

The sash is disassembled by first removing the locking pins and 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. Once the sash is free you can remove the sash hardware and store it in a safe location.

The mortise and the tenon joints of the sash are joined by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs using pin punches and hammers. Most of the time, one side of the peg is bigger than the other, and should be driven away from the smaller end to avoid damaging the sash.

Once the sash is completely removed, you'll be able see the pockets that support the glass panes. The pockets are usually screwed or pinned into place. They should be gently prised using a sharp blade.

Once pockets are removed, the sash is then able to be put in a new glaze compound. The person who wrote the book puts the sash in bed using an easel that is made from scrap wood, securing it against the easel while forming the compound into the shape of a rabbet or groove around the pane opening. The sash needs to dry for at least two days before it is put back together. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preserver made using a mix of mineral spirits and boiled linseed oil. This will reduce the amount that draughts are emitted, and increase the ability of the window to be shut and opened.

Drip Caps

Drip caps are simple, nearly invisible caps that redirect rainwater away from window frames in a storm. They are typically made of wood, but can also be made from bricks or other masonry materials. Some drip caps have an attractive appearance, while others are more utilitarian. A quality drip cap is resistant to the elements and keep water from getting into casings that could cause wood rot.

With just a few tools, and some know-how, a drip cap can be easily installed by a home owner. 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 an inch from the trim board and should be sloping away from the window. It is crucial to use galvanized nails and to apply a premium exterior sealant that is suitable for the underside of the drip cap as well as the sheathing.

Drip caps can be bought preformed from most home improvement stores and window retailers or homeowners can make them at home with an aluminum sheet, a vice and some basic tools. To do this the homeowner should 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 is cut, it is placed under the tape, and then nailed using galvanized nails to the sheathing. It is crucial to nail the cap at both ends, and is nailed to the sheathing in a manner that it will not move regardless of the weight of the sheathing and siding attached.