Should You Call a Window Repairman?

Window repairmen can help save money with the latest, energy efficient window installation. But you need to consider your budget and if it's more beneficial to replace your old windows.

Issues such as rotting frames or seals that break down can raise the cost of replacing your windows. To decide when to employ a handyman, you should know about the most common window issues.

Broken or cracked panes

A severe storm, a pebble thrown by a mower, or a vase that is thrown over can cause a crack to your window glass. Even if it's just one small crack it is important to fix it quickly before it gets any worse or the glass is broken. Windows with cracks can be an accident hazard since glass shards could cause injury to you or your family members.

Repair a damaged window using clear tape or a strong adhesive to keep the glass in place. For large cracks it is best to use a two-part epoxy that has resin and a hardener, such as a caulk. Cover your flooring with cardboard or a dropcloth before applying the epoxy.

Take the old glass out and clean it. You should also secure the area and tell your family to stay away from the work zone until you are finished. Wear safety gloves and gloves to avoid handling glass that has shattered.

Once the broken window has been removed, remove any molding around the frame that's holding it in place and the glazing putty, or glazing points that hold the glass in place. You can remove the glazing points using pliers.

Apply a cross-patch masking tape over the crack next to prevent it from spreading. Apply a second layer of tape on both sides of the crack to increase its strength and stability. A crack in a double-paned windows can cause problems with the gas between the panes and make your home less energy efficient.

You can also put an aluminum sheet over the glass to provide insulation. This is the least invasive method to fix a damaged glass pane. For more serious damage like a hole in both panes of the window, it is best to call a window repairman. They can assess the problem and recommend the best course of action for fixing your window. In some cases it is required to replace the window. In this case an expert in window installation can assist you in choosing the best replacement and install it quickly and economically.

Water Damage

Over time, windowrepairs windows may develop leaks that, if not addressed, can cause significant problems. The causes of these problems are wood rot, water damage to ceilings and walls and the development of mold. In most instances, the first indication of a leaky window is the presence of water peeling paint or stains that appears in the vicinity of or around a window. The problem could also be evident by the formation of puddles of water under the window.

If you notice these signs, it's important to contact a window repair technician as soon as you can. A window repairman will be able to identify the source of a leak and repair it in order to prevent it from happening again in the future.

Leaking windows are typically caused by the degeneration of caulking and seals, which can allow water to intrude into the frame or the sill. Since they are often exposed to direct sunlight or rain, window sills are particularly susceptible to moisture. Water that leaks into the wood could cause rotting and cause serious structural damage to the house.

The most straightforward way to fix windows that leak is by sealing the area around the perimeter of the window. This is a fairly easy task that homeowners can accomplish with a utility knife or caulking gun. It is recommended to begin with the exterior of the home and work your way around to the interior. A high-quality exterior caulk is easy to clean, maintain and will last for an extended period of time.

In more serious situations, a professional window repairman can replace the caulking and seals or replace the caulking on the entire window to prevent water from intruding into the home. In certain cases it may be necessary to replace the entire window, or other structural repairs to the structure or roof.

A window repairman is also able to examine and repair windows that leak and are situated in a difficult-to-access location. This includes windows in the upper floors, dormers, and on the roof of a house. These windows might not be as common as conventional windows, but they are still crucial for any office or home and should be maintained properly. It can be difficult to determine the cause of a leaking window. Look for other signs, such as roof or siding leaks which can travel through joists and studs within the wall to reach the window.

Rotted Frames

A window frame that is rotten can expose your home to additional moisture that could cause damage to the wood. If it is not treated it can cause mold growth, deteriorating insulation, and crumbling framing members which could compromise the strength of your home's overall. Based on the severity of the rot, windowrepairs you may need to replace all your frames and windows. This can be a significant expense however it is essential when the frame is suffering from significant rot or windowrepairs decay.

If the rot is restricted to only part of the frame A window repairman might be able to repair the frame using epoxy filler. This is available at most home improvement stores. Be sure to clean and dry the affected area before applying the filler. Applying a coat or two of epoxy consolidant will protect the repair from future decay and will help to prevent it. Once the wood is prepared to be filled with a new filler apply it using a putty knife. Once the filler has been applied, you should form it to be in line with the surrounding area and allow it to set before sanding it down. After that, you can paint and prime your window frame to complete the repair.

You must also be aware of any rot that may be present in the sheathing of your window. If you spot cracks or cracks, it is essential to use caulk to seal the gaps. This will prevent water from getting into your home and causing further damage. Before applying the caulk, however, you should use your tape measure to determine exact measurements of the board that has rotted. This will ensure that the new board you purchase is of the correct size.

If your sash is stuck due to high moisture it is possible to clean the channels of your sash with the help of a wood chisel. You will also need some cleaner. After the channel is clean, you can widen it by inserting a piece of medium sandpaper encased in a wood block into the grooves in which the sash joins. Once the sash is loosened, you can lubricate with window wax.

Mullions or Muntins

Many homeowners are confused by the terminology used in window construction. This is understandable. The terms "mullion" and "muntin" although they are both similar, serve different purposes in the context of window construction.

A muntin (US) or glazing bar (UK) is a secondary framing element that holds multiple panes of glass within one window sash, or door panel. It creates divisions within windows. They are decorative and can be seen in many architectural styles.

Historically, muntins added structural support to older structures that were unable to be able to support the weight of large windows. They are now mostly decorative and can be found on wooden panels or replacement windows as well as doors and windows.

If you take a look at a traditional windows in Europe it's made of a series thin vertical dividers known as muntins or mullins. The dividers are typically constructed of metal or wood and serve as a frame for the individual glass panes. Some dividers might even have grid patterns.

Muntins serve primarily as decorative elements, while the mullions are used for functional and aesthetic purposes. They can add a unique appearance to single-pane windows. With the addition of track and hinges, they can also transform into casement units that can be opened or closed.

If a mullion, or muntin, is damaged, it may affect the entire window structure. Often the wall, siding, and the insulation around the window will need to be replaced.

It is important to have a certified window repair technician look over the window's damage and determine if it can be repaired or whether replacement windows are needed. You can avoid unnecessary expenses and headaches by having a professional look over the window and the area around it. If you have any questions about the condition of your windows, contact a reputable window installation company like Renewal by Andersen(r) of Rapid City today. Our window specialists are always available to assist!