Tips For Repairing Window Doctor

Many windows require repair to ensure that they open and close properly. Repairing your window can save you money when the seal is damaged, which can cause your energy bills to increase, or your home to feel chilly.

Stiff hinges can often be fixed with a little oil or using an ratchet tool that loosens the cover of the operator. Repairing a damaged or cracked window is also attainable for DIYers.

Broken or cracked glass

It's important to fix the problem as quickly as possible when a window is cracked or has broken glass. The crack can get worse when left untreated and could cause airflow problems in your home. A professional can help if you're not confident in your ability to fix the crack on your own.

Depending on the degree of the crack There are many ways to fix it. The easiest solution is to cover the crack with clear tape. This will shield your family from being damaged by glass shards but still allowing air and sunlight to flow through. You can go one step further by using epoxy. This method is more labor-intensive, but it can yield the most attractive end product.

The first step is to clean the area around the crack. Dip a cotton rag in a mixture of soap and water and gently scrub the area that has cracked. Once the window is dry, apply the epoxy according to package instructions. Once the epoxy is hardened, use a putty blade to scrape off any excess and sand it to smooth the surface.

The most common type is a stress crack. They typically start at the edges of the glass, and then spread throughout the pane. They are typically caused by temperature fluctuations within your home and they can get worse over time.

If one pane of a double glazing-pane window is broken it is necessary to replace the whole unit. The windows are constructed of two parts which work as one unit. This is different from regular windows, which can be replaced with a new window frame.

To replace a glass pane in a double-pane windows, you'll have to remove the glazing clips or points that hold the window in place. Keep your list of the parts you'll need to replace damaged glass panes. For other kinds of windows it is necessary to scrape off the old putty, and then apply it to the new window.

Stained Glass

The tiny pieces of glass used to create stained glass windows are fragile and brittle. Rough treatment, impact with hard objects or a sudden change in temperature could cause cracks and break the glass.

The good news is that even if the piece of glass is broken, it can be repairable and can be saved from the high cost of replacement and removal of the panel. Stained glass experts can use various techniques to repair the damage, including re-leading, re-foiling or re-foil painting or soldering, and adding new glass.

Repairing or replacing damaged stained glass can be difficult and time-consuming. It is crucial to work with a skilled professional who understands the various repair techniques that are available and will select the most appropriate one for your specific task. The reversibility, strength and visual effects of each repair method will differ, so each one must be assessed on a case by case basis.

Re-leading is a common method for repairing cracked leaded glass. A skilled artisan will carefully bend a piece of soft ductile led, called came back into shape to accommodate the crack. After the piece has been bent it is then placed in place and then cement is used to hold it in place. After the new cement is dry the crack can be polished, cleaned and sealed.

A second way to repair cracked leaded glass is by noting the crack, and then re-leading the piece of glass. This is a more labor intensive and costly process, but it can be successful. The damaged glass is removed then cleaned and sanded to smooth the surface. Then a lead knife or pincers are used to take out the lead and wash off any oxidation or mold growth. Once the old lead is removed, the sanded area of the glass is cleaned and then the new lead is cut to neatly adjoin the damaged area before being soldered to the damaged area.

An alternative that is less expensive for repairing sagging stained glass is to include reinforcing bars to the window. These are rebar like supports that run along the inside of the lead and connect to the frame to help prevent sagging. Often times the bars can be hidden behind the decorative foiling so that they are not visible.

Muntins or Mullions

People who are familiar with windows may be familiar with the term "muntin." These vertical wood strips are used to separate window panes in traditional multi-pane windows. They are commonly employed to create a more authentic look in historic homes and are often required as part of city ordinances for construction or renovations in historical districts. Modern replacement windows mainly make use of muntins to improve the appearance of the window, not to ensure the strength and stability. Nevertheless, muntins can still be damaged, and if they're broken or rotting it is possible to replace them with fresh pieces.

Most window companies today don't distinguish between muntins and mullions since both are used for the same purpose. These terms are usually interchangeable however, if you're replacing your windows, it's important to understand the differences so that you and your contractor can discuss the specifics of the work.

A mullion is a vertical support that holds several panes of tempered glass. This was an essential feature prior to the introduction of glass manufacturing technology since larger pieces were nearly impossible to make. Nowadays, windows do not require mullions since the frames are constructed from two glass units and glued to each other. However, older styles of windows do have mullions to provide support, and they are commonly used to enhance the appearance of windows.

If your mullions have signs of aging they can be repaired easily them by applying a bead or two of silicone on both sides of the muntin. Then press it into the frame. If you are replacing a horizontal muntin you may need to use a coping saw to remove the old piece and then shape the end using a file to fit into the mortise of the new horizontal muntin. If you wish to blend in, purchase another muntin that is slightly different from the original.

Certain IGUs include muntins (real mullions) and muntins (replicas) that are built inside the unit to provide effect. If you're experiencing issues with these elements, then it's time to replace the window.

Frame

If you have to sand the frame, use the sanding pad using a fine grit. This will eliminate any stains or paint that have accumulated. Clean it with a dry cloth, and pay particular attention to the corners of the mitered joints. If the joints have opened a little, try to close them gently and apply some wood glue to hold them back together. You can also make use of vinegar to dissolve glue in these areas, however you might have to test it on an area or two before applying it to the entire area.

If the loose corners are an issue, you can often disassemble the frame in order to get at them, and then follow the steps 3 through 8 to fix it. However, if the gap isn't too significant and is only on one side, you might be able to wiggle the joint slightly without removing it.

If the corners are utterly broken and the frame is completely broken, you'll require a small clamp, wood glue and needle-nosed pliers. If only the top and bottom corners are broken You can hammer the finishing nail (these are nails that are thin and a similar size to a head) into the corner to keep it in place after the glue has dried. Be cautious not to place the nails too near the corner, or you may weaken the frame. You can strengthen the corner with carpenter's glue and wood putty or a hammer.