How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

Cracks in your windows could result from a violent storm, a lawnmower throwing a rock or an accident. You could make do with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel & North PG professional comes to fix the damage.

The use of clear masking tape or packing tape can prevent superficial cracks, such as spider cracks, from getting more severe. Tape both sides of the crack.

Frames that are rotten

Wood rot around windows isn't just ugly and a risk to your safety and a potential safety hazard, it also decreases the insulation value of your home. Frames that are rotten permit cold air to enter your home, and warm air to escape, which costs you money. The wood that is rotting lets moisture to enter the frame and causes it to weaken. This reduces the frame's ability to maintain temperatures or cool your home.

In addition, a weakened window frame will leave your home vulnerable to burglars who are able to easily break the window to gain access to your home's interior. This type of damage could be prevented by repairing and reinstalling your wooden windows. Your home will be more attractive and safe.

When your wooden window sills and frames become rotten, it's important to repair them immediately prior to the problem spreading. Often, the first sign of rot will be visible cracks in your paint or spots of discoloration on the wood. The more advanced signs of rotting could include a soft feel to the wood, or the appearance of mold on the interior of your window frames.

It is essential to call an expert when you spot any of the above problems. Wood rot can spread quickly, so the sooner it is dealt with more affordable and less it will be to repair. In fact, if you do not address the issue until the wood is completely rotted, it will be impossible to fix.

In 95% of the cases frames and sills that are rotting are fixable if the rot is detected early. Our technicians are highly skilled and can repair the rotting parts of the frame, giving you windows that look like new.

Muntins and Mullions

The muntins and mullions that separate your window panes aren't just decorative, they also help to support the glass. Therefore, they are a very common component of a window to become damaged or damaged or even broken. Whether they are real or faux, when your mullions or muntins become damaged, chipped, or damaged, it is essential to have them repaired, since they can be a major hindrance from the overall appearance of your home.

Muntins & Mullions

Although they look like they do, and are often mistaken for one another (perhaps the alliteration helps), mullions & muntins are two distinct components of a window. A reputable window installation company clarifies the differences between them to avoid miscommunication and confusion.

Mullions, also known as partitions between glass panes are a typical component of traditional multi-pane windows. In the past, they were utilized to help support and separate large sheets of glass. They are now a decorative and design element that gives a timeless look to your home.

Although mullions may not be the most durable part of your window, they offer some security. If a thief breaks one of your window panes they'll probably also break the mullion to gain entry into your home.

Putty can be used to fix damaged mullions and muntins. Window repair experts clean the surface apply new putty and re-secure them in place. This is an easy window repair that shouldn't affect the performance of your window.

If your windows are leaking or aren't closing and opening correctly, there could be problems with the sashes or frame. In some instances, the sashes may be stuck in their frames because of broken springs or cords. They may also be too heavy, or have been thrown off the track. A sash that is hard to raise or lower is usually fixed by re-balancing the springs and weights.

The wood strips that hold a single piece of glass window repair in position on a window that is older are known as muntins, or mullions. If these become rotting they must be replaced. Window repair specialists will replace rotted muntins and the mullions with no impact on the function of your windows.

One of the most common issues with old windows is the sill, which might not slope enough downward to allow water to drain off. It is important to examine the sill and ensure that it slopes downwards, away from the house. If it does not, a drip cap can easily be put in place. It's a simple task that will drastically minimize the possibility of moisture infiltration.

Sashes

If your window sashes aren't working correctly, it's important to investigate the issue. The weather and the time can easily affect wooden window sashes. If they don't open properly, water or installation air can quickly enter the room. Aluminum sashes may become unsuitable due to similar events. Sweating and dampness around windows are common symptoms of these problems.

Most often sash problems result from simple wear and tear. They can be addressed by filling the area before re-painting. However, more serious issues will require disassembly of the sash. This should be left to window repair professionals.

The disassembly of the sash starts by removing the locking pins from the top of the window frame, and removing the sash cords. Then, remove the parting bead (vertical strips that hold the upper window sash). Then take out the upper window sash. When the sash is completely free, you can take it off the hardware for the sash and store it in a secure place.

The mortise and tenon joints in the sash are held together by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs with the help of a pin punch and hammer. Most of the time, one side of the peg is more than the other, and should be driven away from the smaller side to avoid damaging the sash.

Once the sash is completely dismantled, you'll be able see the pockets that support the glass panes. The pockets are usually fixed by screws or pins. They must be gently smashed with a sharp blade.

Once pockets are removed, the sash can be re-bedded in new glazing compound. The person who is beding the sash by holding it up against a homemade easel and working the compound into the groove, or rabbet around the opening of the pane. Once the sash is bedded it is allowed to dry for two days before being put back together. The sash will then be treated with a homemade wood preserver created by mixing mineral spirits and boiled oils from linseed. This can reduce the amount of draughts and improve the ability to shut and open the window.

Caps for drip Caps

Drip caps are simple, almost invisible caps that draw water away from windows during a rainstorm. They are usually made of wood, although they can also be made from brick or another type of masonry. Some drip caps have an attractive appearance, while others are more functional. A quality drip cap is able to resist the elements, and prevent water from seeping into casings that could cause wood rot.

With just a few tools, and some know-how, a drip cap can easily be installed by a home owner. Many homeowners prefer hiring an expert to install their drip cap. The drip cap should be attached to the sheathing that surrounds the window at least one inch from the trim board and slope away from window. Use galvanized nails and apply a high quality exterior grade sealant to the underside of the drip cap and sheathing.

Homeowners can create drip caps at home using aluminum sheets as well as a vice and a few basic tools. To make them first, the homeowner needs to remove or pry up a row above the window. Then, they'll be able to cut a drip-cap to a length slightly wider than the the window. Once the drip cap has been cut, it is placed beneath the flashing tape and attached to the sheathing using galvanized nails. It is essential to nail the cap at both ends, and is nailed to the sheathing in a way that it doesn't move regardless of the weight of the sheathing and siding connected.