Should You Call a Window Repairman?

Window repair professionals can help you save on energy costs over time. But you need to think about your budget and repairer if it's better to replace your old windows.

The cost of replacing windows may be pushed up by issues like rotting frames or seals that fail. To decide when to hire a handyman, one-time offer you should know about the most frequent window issues.

Broken or cracked Panes

A bad storm, a pebble thrown from a lawn mower, or a vase that is knocked over could cause a crack to your window glass. Even if there is only one small crack, you should fix it quickly before it gets any worse or the glass window repairs cracks. Glass that is cracked can pose dangerous, as it could cause your family or yourself to get injured by fragments.

Repair a damaged window with clear tape, or an adhesive that is strong enough to keep the glass in place. It's best to use a two-part epoxy, which is a resin and a hardener. Cover your flooring with cardboard or a dropcloth prior to applying the epoxy.

First, take off the old pane of glass and scrub it clean. It is also important to secure the area and warn your family members to stay clear from the work area until you finish. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from shattered glass fragments.

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

Apply an adhesive cross-patch to the crack next to prevent it from spreading. Then apply another 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 making your home less energy efficient.

You can also use a plastic sheet on top of the glass to provide insulation. This is the least-invasive way to fix a damaged glass pane. Contact a window repair professional for more serious damages like holes between the panes. They will assess the damage and recommend the best method to fix your window. In some instances, it may be required to replace the window. In this instance, a window technician can help you select the right type of replacement and then install it efficiently and economically.

Water Damage

Over time, windows develop leaks that if left untreated could cause serious problems. Wood rot, water damage on walls and ceilings and mold are a few of the problems that can be caused by leaks. Peeling or water-based paint near or around the window are often the first sign of an unsound window. The issue could be also evident in the form of the formation of puddles of water under the window.

It's important that you call a window technician immediately if you notice any of these indicators. A window repairman can determine the cause of a leak and fix it to prevent it from happening again in the future.

Seals and caulking that have become damaged can let water in the frame or sill. Since they are often exposed to direct sunlight or rain, window sills are particularly susceptible to moisture. Water leaking through the wood could cause rot or structural damage.

Recaulking around the perimeter of a window is the most effective solution to repair a leaky window. This is a relatively simple task that most homeowners can do 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 good quality exterior caulk will last a long time and be easy to clean and maintain.

In more serious cases, a professional can replace the seals or caulking on the window, or re-caulk the area to keep water out of the home. In some instances, this may require replacing the entire window or other structural repairs to double glazed windows to the structure or roof.

A window repairman will also be able inspect and repair a leaky, hard-to-reach window. This includes windows on the upper floors or in dormers and the roof of a house. Although these kinds of windows aren't as popular as standard windows but they're still a vital component to any home or business and need to be maintained properly. It can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of a leaking window. You should look for other indications, such as roof or siding leaks which can pass through joists or studs in the wall, allowing water to enter the window.

Frames that are rotten

A frayed or damaged frame could expose your home to more moisture, which can cause damage to the wood. Unchecked rot can cause mold growth, deteriorating insulating materials and framing members to crumble and compromise the strength of your home. Depending on the severity of decay, you may have to replace all your windows and frames. This can be costly however, it is a necessity in the case of significant rot and decay in the frame.

If the rot only affects a small portion of the frame, a window repairman can restore the area with epoxy filler. This can be found in most home improvement stores. Before applying the filler, ensure that the area affected is dry and clean. You must also prepare the new area by applying a coat of epoxy consolidant to safeguard the repair and prevent the possibility of further rot. Apply the new filler using a putty blade once the wood is prepared. After applying the filler, you can form it to match the surrounding area. Allow it to dry before sanding. Then, prime and paint the window frame to complete the repair.

You should also be aware of any rot in the wood sheathing that surrounds your window. Caulk should be used to close any gaps if you observe cracks or break. This will stop water from getting into your home and causing more damage. It is recommended to utilize your tape measure prior to applying the caulk to get exact measurements of the rotted boards. This will ensure that the new board you purchase is of the correct size.

If your sash is stuck due to high moisture You can clean the sash channels with the help of a wood chisel. You will also need a cleaner to remove the grime. When the channel is cleaned, you can widen it by inserting a piece medium sandpaper wrapped around a wood block into the grooves where the sash joins. Once the sash is loose you can lubricate it by using a window wax.

Mullions or Muntins

Some homeowners are confused by the language that is used in window construction, and it's right so. The terms "mullion" and "muntin", while similar have different meanings when it comes to window construction.

A muntin, also known as a glazing bar (UK) is a further framing element which holds multiple panes of glass in a single window or door panel. It creates divisions inside a window unit. They are typically decorative and can be seen in various architectural styles.

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

If you look at a typical window in Europe you'll see that it's made of a set of thin, vertical dividers that are referred to as mullions or muntins. The dividers are usually made of wood or metal and create a frame around the individual glass panes. Some dividers may even have grid patterns.

While muntins are largely decorative, mullions are utilized for both aesthetic and functional purpose. Mullions can add an unique look to single-pane windows, and when paired with hinges and tracks they can be made into casement windows that can be closed and opened.

If a mullion, a muntin or any other component of a window is damaged, the entire structure of the window may be affected. Often, the wall, siding and insulation will need to be replaced too.

A certified window repairman should inspect your window to determine whether the damage can be fixed, or if new windows are needed. If you have a professional examine your window and the surrounding area and surroundings, you will avoid unnecessary expenses and headaches down the road. Contact a reputable window service such as Renewal by Andersen (r) of Rapid City, if you are concerned regarding the condition of your windows. Our window lock repair specialists are always available to assist!