How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

A storm that is severe or a rock that is thrown by a lawnmower or an accident at home could cause cracks in your windows. You might be able to make do with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman from Anne Arundel & North PG professional comes to fix the damage.

The use of clear masking tape or packing tape can help prevent superficial cracks such as spider cracks from becoming worse. Make sure you tape both sides of the crack.

Frames that are Rotted

Wood rot around windows isn't just a visual nuisance and a potential safety hazard, it also reduces the insulation value of your home. Rotted frames can allow cold air in your home, and warm air out, which can cause you to lose money. The reason for this is that the decaying wood allows moisture to penetrate and deteriorate the inner frame, reducing its ability to keep the heat or cool air in your home.

A weak frame for your window can make your home vulnerable to burglars who will be capable of easily breaking the window and gain entry to your home's interior. Rebuilding and repairing wooden windows can prevent this type of damage, and make your home more secure and appealing.

If your window sills and frames start to become rotten, it's important to fix them as soon as possible, before the problem spreads. The first indication of rot is usually visible cracks or discolorations of the paint. More advanced signs of rotting could be a softer feeling to the wood, or a buildup of mold on the inside of the window frames.

If you notice any of these signs you must call in an expert to examine the damage and fix it as soon as you can. Wood rot spreads rapidly and the earlier it is addressed it is, the less it will be to fix. In reality, if we delay until the wood has completely rotted, it will be impossible to fix.

Fortunately, windows with rotting frames and sills are repairable in 95% of the cases where the rot has been discovered early. Our technicians are highly skilled and can replace the rotting parts of the frame to give windows that look as new.

Muntins and Mullions

The mullions and muntins which create a barrier between your window repairs panes isn't just decorative they also help to support the glass. Therefore, they are a very common component of a window to become damaged or broken. It doesn't matter if they are real, fake or both, if your muntins or mullions become chipped, cracked, or scratched, it's important to have them fixed. They can make your home appear less attractive.

Muntins & Mullions

Although they look like they do, and are often confused (perhaps the alliteration can be helpful) Mullions, muntins and mullions are distinct window components. To avoid confusion and miscommunication, a reputable window installation company will clarify the differences between these two parts.

Mullions, or partitions between glass panes are a common component in traditional multi-pane windows. In the past they were used to provide support for the windows and also to separate large sheets. They are now a decorative and design element that can give a timeless appearance to your home.

While mullions aren't the most secure part of your window, they do provide some security. If a burglar is able to break the window pane and breaks it, he'll likely break the mullion to gain entry to your home.

Broken mullions and muntins can be repaired using putty. Window repair experts clean the surface, apply new putty, and then re-secure them. This is a fairly simple repair to your windows and shouldn't affect the functionality of your windows.

If your windows are leaky or not opening and closing properly, it could be due to problems with the sashes or frame. In certain instances, the sashes get stuck in their frames because of broken springs or cords. They may be too heavy or have been thrown off the track. Rebalancing springs and weights can make a sash hard to lower or raise.

The wood strips that hold a single piece of glass in place on an older window are referred to as muntins or mullions. If these become rotting they must be rebuilt. Window repair experts can replace the muntins and mullions, and they won't interfere with the functionality of your windows.

One of the most common problems with old windows is the sill, which might not slope downward enough to allow water to drain off. It is crucial to look at the sill and ensure that it slopes downward, away from the home. If it isn't then a drip cap could easily be put in place. It's an easy task that will drastically minimize the possibility of water infiltration.

Sashes

If window sashes aren't functioning properly, it's time for a closer look at the situation. The weather and time can affect wooden window sashes. When they do not open properly, double glazing repairs air or water can quickly get into the room. Aluminum sashes can be ineffective due to similar incidents. The dampness and sweating around windows are typical signs of these issues.

Most often, sash issues are the result of simple wear and tear. They can usually be fixed by filling the sash, sanding and repainting. However, more serious problems may require the dismantling of the sash. This is a task best left to professional window repair firms.

The sash is removed by first removing the locking pins and the sash cords from the window frame. The next step is to remove the parting beads (vertical strips of wood holding the upper sash) and then pull out the upper sash. Once the sash is unlocked, you can remove the hardware for the sash and store it in a safe location.

The mortise-and-tenon joints are joined by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs using pin punches and hammers. The pegs are often larger on one side than the other. Drive out the pegs from the smaller end in order to avoid damaging the sash.

After the sash is fully removed, you will be able to see the pockets that support the glass panes. These pockets are often screwed or pinned into place. They should be gently prised by a sharp knife.

Once pockets are removed, the sash can be re-bedded in a new double glazing repairs (click through the next page) compound. The author beds the sash by putting it against an easel and working the compound into the groove or rabbet around the opening of the pane. The sash must be allowed to dry for a minimum of two days before it can be put back together. The sash is then treated using a homemade wood preserver made of one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiled linseed oils. This can help reduce the amount of draughts and increase the ability to close and open the window.

Caps for drip Caps

Drip caps are simple, nearly invisible caps that channel rainwater away from window frames in an event of storm. They are typically made from wood but can also be constructed from bricks or other types of masonry. Some drip caps are designed with a decorative appearance, while others are more practical. A quality drip cap is able to resist the elements, Double Glazing Repairs and prevent water from seeping into casings that could cause wood rot.

With just a few tools, and some knowledge, a drip cap can be easily installed by a home owner. Many homeowners prefer hiring a contractor to install their drip cap. A drip cap must be nailed to the sheathing around the window, at least one inch away from the trim board, and should be sloping away from the window. It is essential to use galvanized nails, and to apply a high-quality exterior sealant that is suitable for the underside of the drip cap as well as the sheathing.

Drip caps can be purchased preformed from most home improvement stores and window stores or homeowners can make them at home with a sheet of aluminum with a vice and a few basic tools. To make them homeowners must first remove or pry off the siding on top of the window, and then cut a drip cap to a length slightly wider than the window. After the drip cap has been cut, it's slipped under the tape and nailed with galvanized nails onto the sheathing. It is important to nail the cap at both ends, and that it is nailed to the sheathing in a way that it won't budge regardless of the weight of the sheathing and siding that is attached.