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 may be able manage with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel & North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.

A clear masking or packing tape will keep superficial cracks, such a spider cracks, from escalating. Make sure you tape both sides of the crack.

Frames that are rotten

The rot of wood around windows is not only unsightly however, it could be a security risk. It can also lower the insulation value of a house. Frames that are damaged by rot can allow cold air in your home, and warm air out, causing you to lose money. This is because rotting wood allows moisture to penetrate and deteriorate the inner frame, decreasing its capacity to hold cool or warm air in your home.

A weak window frame can also make your home vulnerable to burglars who will be in a position to easily break the window and gain access to your home's interior. This type of damage could be avoided by repairing and rebuilding your wooden windows. Your home will look more attractive and replace secure.

It is crucial to repair your window sills or frames made of wood in the earliest time possible to prevent the issue from getting worse. The first sign of rot will be visible cracks or discolorations in the paint. The wood might feel soft or mold may develop on the inside of the window frames.

If you notice any of these signs, it is imperative to contact an expert to assess the damage and repair it immediately. Wood rot is a fast-growing issue, so the sooner it is addressed, the cheaper and easier it will be to repair. In reality, 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 have rotted are fixable If the rot is caught early enough. Our skilled and experienced technicians can replace the rotting areas of the frame, resulting in windows that look as like new.

Muntins and Mullions

The muntins or mullions between your window panes function as more than simply decorative elements. They also help support the glass. They are a typical part of windows that can be damaged or even broken. They can be real or faux, when your mullions or muntins become cracked, chipped, or damaged, it is crucial to have them repaired, since they can be a significant detraction from the overall appearance of your home.

Muntins & Mullions

Although they look similar, and are often confused (perhaps the alliteration is helpful) Mullions, muntins and mullions are different window components. To avoid confusion and miscommunication, a reputable window installation company will explain the distinctions between these two parts.

Mullions, also known as dividers, are commonly seen in multi-paned windows. Historically, they were used to help support and separate large sheets of glass. Nowadays, they are an attractive and stylish element that can give an elegant look to your home.

Although mullions may not be the most durable part of your window, they do provide some security. If a burglar breaks the window, he will probably smash the mullion in order to gain entry to your home.

Putty can be used to repair broken mullions or muntins. Window repair experts clean the surface and apply new putty prior to re-securing the mullions and muntins. This is a simple window repair that shouldn't affect the functionality of your window.

If your windows are leaking or aren't closing and opening properly, it could be due to issues with the sashes, or frame. In some instances, the sashes get stuck in their frames because of broken springs or cords. The sashes may also be too heavy or they may have slipped off the track. Balanced springs and weights can fix a sash that's hard to lower or raise.

If you have an older window with one glass pane, the wood strips that hold the glass in place are known as muntins or mullions. If they start to decay and need to be replaced, they should be replaced. Window repair professionals can replace the rotted muntins or mullions, and they won't interfere with the purpose of your windows.

The sill of old windows may not slope enough to allow water drainage. Examine the sill to confirm that it slopes away from the house. If it doesn't the drip cap can easily be installed. It's a simple procedure that can greatly minimize the possibility of water infiltration.

Sashes

If your window sashes are not working correctly, it's important to examine the situation. Wooden windows sashes can be affected by weather changes and the passage of time. If they are not opened properly, air or replace water can easily enter the room. Aluminum sashes can become unsuitable because of similar incidents. A damp or swollen appearance on windows is an indication of such issues.

Most often sash problems are the result of simple wear and tear. They can usually be fixed by sanding, filling, and re-painting. However, more serious problems will require disassembly of the sash. This is a task best left to a professional window repair company.

The sash is disassembled by removing the locking pins from the top of the window frame, and remove the sash cords. 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 has been removed, it is possible to remove and store the hardware for the sash.

The mortise-and tenon joints are held together by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs using a hammer and pin punch. Often one side of the peg is bigger than the other, and should be driven away from the smaller side to avoid damaging the sash.

There are pockets where glass panes are secured once the sash has been completely disassembled. These pockets are typically secured by a screw or pin. They should be gently prised by a sharp knife.

Once pockets are removed, the sash is then able to be put in a new glaze compound. The author beds the sash by putting it up against a homemade 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 is put back together. The sash is then treated with homemade wood preserver made using a mix of mineral spirits and boiled linseed oils. This can to reduce the amount of draughts and improve the ability to close and open the window.

Caps for drip Caps

Drip caps are basic, almost invisible caps that draw water away from window frames during a storm. They are usually made of wood, but they can also be constructed from bricks or other types of masonry. Some drip caps sport an attractive appearance, while others are more utilitarian. No matter what the design, a good quality drip cap must be strong enough to withstand the elements and prevent water from getting behind the casings, where it can cause wood rot.

With a few simple tools, and a bit of knowledge, a drip cap can be easily installed by a homeowner. However most homeowners prefer having an expert contractor install their drip cap. A drip cap must be nailed around the window, at least one inch from the trim board, and should be sloping away from the double glazed window repair. It is important to use galvanized nails and to apply a premium exterior sealant of the highest quality to the underside of the drip cap as well as the sheathing.

Drip caps are available in bulk from home improvement stores and window retailers or homeowners can make them at home using a sheet of aluminum along with a vice and basic tools. To do this, a homeowner must first pry up or remove a row of siding above 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 secured using galvanized nails to the sheathing. The cap must be nailed at both ends and secured to the sheathing.