How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time
Cracks in your windows could be caused by a severe storm, a lawnmowers throwing rocks or a collision. You may be able to make do with a few temporary fixes until Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel and North PG professional can come to fix the damage.
The use of clear packing tape or masking tape can prevent superficial cracks such as spider cracks from becoming worse. Be sure to tape both sides of the crack.
Rotted Frames
The rot of wood around windows is not only unsightly however, it could be a security risk. It can also decrease the insulation value of a home. Frames that are damaged by rot can allow cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape, causing you to lose money. This is because rotting wood allows moisture to penetrate and deteriorate the inner frame, decreasing its capacity to keep the cool or warm air inside your home.
In addition, a weakened window frame can leave your home vulnerable to burglars who are able to easily break the window to access the inside of your home. This type of damage can be avoided by repairing and re-building your wooden windows. Your home will look more attractive and safe.
It's important to repair your window sills or frames made of wood as soon as you can, before the problem gets worse. The first sign of rot is usually visible cracks or discolorations in the paint. The wood may appear soft or feel brittle, or mold could develop on the inside of the window frames.
If you experience any of these signs it is essential to seek out an expert to assess the damage and fix it as soon as you can. Wood rot can spread quickly and the earlier it is dealt with, the cheaper and easier it will be to fix. In reality, if you wait until the wood is completely rotted, it'll be impossible to repair.
Fortunately, windows with rotting frames and sills can be fixed in 95% of cases where the rot is discovered early. Our technicians are highly skilled and are able to replace the rotting parts of the frame, giving you windows that look like new.
Muntins & Mullions
The muntins or mullions between your window panes serve as more than just decorative elements. They also help support the glass. They are a common part of windows that can be damaged or even broken. It doesn't matter if they are real, faux or a combination of both, when your mullions or muntins are chipped, cracked or scratched, it's important to have them fixed. They can make your home look less appealing.
Muntins & Mullions
While they look similar and are often mistaken with one another (perhaps the alliteration can help) Multins and mullions are two different window components. To avoid confusion and confusion, a reliable window installation company will clarify the distinctions between these two parts.
Mullions or dividers are common in multi-paned windows. Historically, they were used to help support and separate large sheets of glass. Nowadays, they are an ornamental and design element that can give an elegant look to your home.
Although window repairs may not be the most durable part of your window, they offer some security. If a burglar breaks one of your window panes they'll likely also break the mullion to gain entry into your home.
Broken mullions and muntins can be repaired using putty. Window repair specialists clean the surface, apply new putty, and then re-secure them. This is an easy window repair that shouldn't affect the functionality of your window.
There may be a problem with the frame or sashes in the event that your windows leak or don't open and close properly. In certain instances, the sashes may be stuck in their frames because of broken cords or springs. They may also be too heavy, or have been thrown off the track. Balanced springs and weights can help a sash that is difficult to raise or lower.
The wood strips that hold a single sheet of glass in place on an older window are referred to as muntins or mullions. If they begin to decay and become damaged, you'll need to rebuild them. Window repair experts can replace the damaged muntins and mullions, and they won't hinder the functionality of your windows.
The sills of old windows might not slope downward enough to allow for water drainage. It is essential to inspect the sill and make sure that it slopes downwards away from the house. If it isn't, a drip cap can easily be installed. It's a simple procedure that will drastically minimize the possibility of water infiltration.
Sashes
If window sashes aren't functioning properly, it's time to take an examination of the situation. The weather and time can have a direct impact on wooden window sashes. If they are not opened properly, air or water could enter the room swiftly. The same thing could cause aluminum sashes to become ineffective. The presence of damp or sweat on windows is an indication of such issues.
The most common cause for issues with sash is simple wear and tear. They can often be corrected by filling, sanding and painting over. However, more serious issues may require the dismantling of the sash. This task should be left to a professional window repair company.
The sash is disassembled by first taking the locking pins off and the sash cords from the window frame. Then, take out the parting beads (vertical strips of wood holding the upper sash) and then pull out the upper sash. Once the sash is free you can remove the hardware for the sash and store it in a secure place.
The mortise-and-tenon joints are held together with wooden pegs. Remove the pegs with a hammer and pin punch. Most of the time, one side of the peg is bigger than the other and must be driven away from the smaller end to avoid damaging the sash.
Once the sash is completely disassembled you'll be able to observe the pockets that are holding the glass panes. The pockets are usually fixed by screws or pins. They should be gently prised by a sharp knife.
Once pockets are removed, the sash can be re-bedded in a new glaze compound. The writer beds the sash using an easel made from wood, and then holds it against the easel while working the compound into the shape of a rabbet or groove around the pane's opening. After the sash is dipped, it is left to dry for two days before being put back together. The sash is then treated using a homemade wood preservative that is made from one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiled linseed oils. This will reduce the amount draughts, and improve the ability of the window to be closed and opened.
Drip Caps
Drip caps are simple, almost invisible caps that redirect water away from window frames during a rainstorm. They are typically made from wood, but can also be made from bricks or other masonry materials. Some drip caps are designed to be attractive some are more utilitarian in appearance. Regardless of design, a good quality drip cap ought to be able to withstand the elements and stop water from leaking behind the casings, where it can cause wood decay.
A drip cap can be easily installed by a homeowner who has some basic tools and a little know-how. Many homeowners prefer to hire an expert to install their drip cap. A drip cap must be nailed around the window, at least an inch from the trim board, and should be sloping 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 and the sheathing.
Homeowners can create drip caps at home using aluminum sheets as well as a vice and a few tools. To do this homeowners must first remove or pry off the siding that is above the window and then cut the drip cap to a length slightly larger than the window. After the drip cap has been cut, it's slipped under the tape, and then nailed using galvanized nails to the sheathing. The cap should be nailed on both ends and firmly attached to the sheathing.