Should You Call a Window Repairman?

Window repairmen can help save money over time by installing the latest, energy efficient window installation. But you should think about your budget and if it's more beneficial to replace your windows.

Issues such as rotting frames or seals that are damaged can increase the cost of replacing your windows. Find out more about the most prevalent problems with windows and decide when you should call a handyman.

Cracked or broken Panes

A severe storm or a stray pebble from a mower, or a vase that is thrown over can cause a crack in your window glass. Even if there's only one small crack it is important to fix it quickly before it gets any worse or the glass breaks. Glass that has cracked is dangerous, as it could cause your family members or you to be injured by shattering pieces.

You can repair a cracked window using clear tape or an adhesive that is strong enough to secure the glass. For cracks that are large it is recommended to purchase two-part epoxy that has a resin and hardener, such as a caulk. To apply the epoxy, prepare your work area by covering the flooring with cardboard sheets or drop cloth.

First, take off the old pane of glass and scrub it. You should also cordon off the area and inform your family members to stay clear from the work area until you finish. Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from shattered glass shards.

After the broken window is removed Remove any molding around the frame holding it in place and the glazing putty or points that hold the glass in place. You can remove the glazing points with pliers.

Next, apply a cross-patch of masking tape across the crack to prevent it from spreading or shattering. Then, apply a second layer of tape on both sides to add strength and stability. A bad crack in double-paned windows can cause problems with the gas that is circulating between the panes and make your home less efficient in energy use.

You can also use a plastic sheet over the glass to provide insulation. This is the least invasive method to repair a cracked glass pane. Call a window repairman for more serious damage like a hole between both panes. They can assess the problem and suggest the best option to repair your window. In some cases, a new window may be required. In this case an expert window repairman will assist you in choosing the best kind of replacement for your home and install it in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Water Damage

Window leaks that aren't treated can lead to serious issues. These issues include wood rot, water damage to walls and ceilings and even mold. Peeling or water-based paint near or around the window are typically the first indications of leaky windows. The problem may be also evident in the form of puddles of water forming underneath the window.

If you notice these signs, you need to call a window repairman as soon as possible. A window repairman will be able to identify the source of a leak and repair it to stop it from happening again in the future.

Caulking and seals that have deteriorated could allow water to enter the sill or frame. Window sills can be especially susceptible to moisture since they are frequently exposed to direct sunlight as well as rain. The water that seeps through the wood could cause rot and structural damage.

Recaulking around the windows' perimeter is the easiest solution to repair a leaky window. This is a easy task that homeowners can complete using a utility knife or caulking gun. It is recommended to begin with the exterior of the house and work your way around to the interior. A good quality exterior caulk can last a long time and be easy to clean and maintain.

In more serious cases the window repair expert could replace the caulking and seals or re-caulk the entire window to prevent water from entering the house. In some instances, this could need replacement of the entire window or structural repairs to the building or roof.

A window repairman will be able inspect and fix a leaky, difficult to reach window. This includes windows on upper floors or in dormers as well as the roof of a home. These windows might not be as common as conventional windows, but they are still vital to any home or office and must be maintained in a timely manner. It can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of a window that is leaky and it's therefore important to look for other signs of a problem like roof or siding leaks that can travel down through wall studs and joists to reach the windows.

Frames that are Rotted

A window frame that is rotten can leave your home exposed to moisture that can cause wood damage. If not addressed, rot can lead to mold growth, weakening insulation, and crumbling framing members which can compromise the structural integrity of your entire home. Depending on the severity of decay, you may have to replace all your frames and windows. This can be quite expensive however, it is necessary in the case of frames that have significant decay or rot.

If the rot is restricted to only part of the frame A window repairman might be able to repair the frame using epoxy filler. It is available at most home improvement stores. Make sure you clean and dry the affected area prior to applying the filler. Applying a coat or two of epoxy consolidant can protect the repair from future rot and help prevent it. Apply the new filler with a putty blade once the wood is dry. After applying the filler you can shape it to match its surroundings. Allow it to dry before sanding. Then, you can paint and prime your window frame to complete the repair.

You should also be aware of any signs of rot on the wood sheathing that surrounds your window. If you notice cracks or breaks, it's crucial to use caulk in order to seal the gaps. This will stop water from leaking into your home and window repairman causing further damage. It is recommended to make use of your tape measure prior to applying the caulk to obtain exact measurements of the rotted boards. This will ensure that the new board you purchase is the correct size.

If your sash is stuck because of high humidity, you may be able free it by cleaning the sash channel using an axe and dirt remover. Once the channel is cleaned, you can open the grooves by inserting a medium sandpaper piece wrapped around the block of wood. Once the sash has been loose, you can apply lubrication with window wax.

Muntins and Mullions

Some homeowners are confused by the jargon that is used in window construction, and rightly as. 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 in a single window sash or door panel and creates divisions within the window unit. They are decorative and can be seen in various architectural styles.

Historically, the muntins were used to provide structural support to older buildings that could not support the weight of large windows. They are mainly decorative and can be found on wooden panels or replacement windows as well as doors and windows.

If you look at a traditional window in Europe you'll see that it's made of a set of thin, vertical dividers referred to as muntins or mullions. They are typically made of metal or wood and provide a frame around the individual glass panes. Some dividers feature grid designs.

While muntins are mostly decorative, mullions can be used for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Mullions can provide a distinctive appearance to single-pane windows. With the addition of tracks and hinges they can also transform into casement units that can be opened and closed.

When a mullion or muntin, or other window component is damaged, the entire structure of the window can be affected. Often, the wall, siding, and insulation around the window will need to be replaced.

A certified window repairman should inspect your window to determine if damage can be repaired or if replacement windows are required. You can avoid unnecessary costs and headaches by having a professional examine the window and its surrounding area. If you have questions about the condition of your windows, call a reputable window installation service like Renewal by Andersen(r) of Rapid City today. Our window experts are always ready to help!