How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

A storm that is severe or a stone dropped by the lawnmowers or an accident at home can leave your windows with cracks. You might be able to manage with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman from Anne Arundel and North PG professional can come to fix the damage.

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

Rotted Frames

Wood rot around your windows is not only unsightly, but it can also be a safety hazard. It can also decrease the energy efficiency of a home. Frames that are rotten permit cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape, costing you money. This is because the rotting wood allows moisture to penetrate and degrade the inner frame, which reduces its ability to hold cool or warm air in your home.

A weak frame for your window can also make your home vulnerable to burglars who are in a position to easily break the window and gain access to your home's interior. Rebuilding and repairing wooden windows can prevent this kind of damage, and make your home more secure and appealing.

It's important to repair your wooden window frames or sills as soon as you can, before the problem gets worse. Often, the first sign of rot will be visible cracks in your paint, or spots of discoloration on the wood. The wood might feel soft or mold may develop on the inside of the window frames.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is imperative to seek out an expert to examine the damage and repair it as soon as you can. Wood rot is a fast-growing issue, so the sooner it is addressed it is, the less it will be to repair. In reality, if you delay until the wood has completely rotten, it will be impossible to repair.

Fortunately, window frames that are rotting and sills are repairable in 99% of cases where the rot has been discovered early. Our experienced and skilled technicians can repair or replace the rotting areas of the frame, resulting in windows as fresh as new.

Muntins and Mullions

The mullions and muntins that are between your window panes function as more than just decorative elements. They also support the glass. Therefore, they are a very common component of a double glazed window repairs to become damaged or broken. It does not matter if they're real, fake or a combination of both, if your muntins or mullions become chipped, cracked, or dented, it is important to have them fixed. They can make your home look less appealing.

Muntins & Mullions

Although they might appear similar, and are often mistaken for one another (perhaps the alliteration can be helpful), mullions & muntins are two distinct components of a window. To avoid confusion and confusion, a reliable window installation firm will explain the differences between these two parts.

Mullions or dividers are typical in multi-paned windows. In the past, they were used as an aid in separating large sheets. Nowadays, they are a decorative and design element that provides an elegant look to your home.

The mullions on your windows are not the strongest part, but they do offer some security. If a burglar damages a window pane then he'll probably break the mullion to gain access to your home.

Broken mullions and muntins can be repaired with putty. Window repair experts clean the surface and apply new putty and re-secure them in place. It's a relatively simple repair to your windows and shouldn't interfere with the functioning of your windows.

There may be an issue with the frames or sashes if the windows leak or fail to close and open properly. In some instances, the sashes may be stuck in their frames due to broken springs or cords. The sashes might also be too heavy or they may have fallen off the track. A sash that is difficult to raise or lower is usually corrected by balancing springs and weights.

If you have an older window that has a single-pane of glass, Windows repair the wood strips that keep the glass in place are known as muntins or mullions. If they begin to decay and become damaged, you'll need to replace them. Window repair specialists can replace the rotted muntins or mullions, and they won't affect the functionality of your windows.

The sill of old windows may not slope enough to allow for drainage of water. It is important to examine the sill and make sure that it slopes downward, away from the house. If it isn't, a drip cap can easily be put in place. This simple procedure can lower the likelihood of moisture infiltration.

Sashes

When window sashes stop functioning properly, it's time for a closer look at the situation. Wooden window sashes are easily affected by weather changes and the passage of time. If they don't open properly, air or water can enter the room quickly. Similar events could cause aluminum sashes to become ineffective. Sweating or dampness on the windows is an indication of such problems.

The most common cause for sash issues is simple wear and tear. They can be fixed by sanding and filling the area before re-painting. However, more serious problems will require disassembly of the sash. This should be left to window repair professionals.

Disassembly of the sash begins by taking the locking pins off the top of the window frame and removing the sash cords. Next, remove the parting beads (vertical strips of wood holding the upper sash) and then pull out the upper sash. Once the sash has been removed, it is possible to remove and store the sash hardware.

The mortise-and-tenon joints are held together by wooden pegs. Take the pegs off using pin punches and hammers. Most of the time, one side of the peg is larger than the other and must be driven away from the smaller end to avoid damaging the sash.

Once the sash is completely disassembled you will be able to see the pockets that support the glass panes. These pockets are usually fixed by screws or pins and must be gently pulled out using a sharp knife.

After the pockets have been removed, the sash is then able to be put in new glazing compound. The writer is able to bed the sash with an easel that is made from scrap wood, securing it against the easel while working the compound into an edging or rabbet around the pane opening. The sash should be allowed to dry for a minimum of two days before it is put back together. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preservative made by mixing one-half mineral spirits with one-half boiled linseed oils. This will help reduce the amount of draughts that enter and improve the ability to close and open the window.

Caps with drip Caps

Drip caps are simple, nearly imperceptible caps that divert water away from window frames during a storm. They are usually made of wood but could also be constructed of bricks or other types of masonry. Some drip caps sport a decorative appearance, while others are more utilitarian. Whatever the design, a quality drip cap ought to be able to withstand the elements and stop water from seeping behind casings, which could cause wood decay.

With just a few tools, and some know-how, a drip cap is easily installed by a homeowner. However many homeowners prefer to have an expert contractor 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 it should slope away from the window. It is important to use galvanized nails, and to apply a premium exterior grade sealant to the underside of the drip cap as well as the sheathing.

Drip caps can be purchased ready-made from a variety of home improvement stores and window retailers, or a homeowner can make them at home with an aluminum sheet along with a vice and basic tools. To make them, the homeowner must first remove or cut a row of windows. Then, they will be able to cut the drip cap to a length slightly wider than the the window. Once the drip cap has been cut, it should be placed under the flashing tape and secured to the sheathing using galvanized nails. The cap should be nailed at both ends and secured to the sheathing.