How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

A severe storm or a rock dropped by the lawnmowers or an accident at home can cause your windows to crack. You might be able to make do with a few temporary fixes until Mr. Handyman from Anne Arundel and North PG professional can come to fix the damage.

A strip of clear masking tape or packing tape will keep superficial cracks, such a spider cracks, from worsening. Tape both sides of the crack.

Rotted Frames

Wood rot around windows isn't just unsightly and a risk to your safety and a potential safety hazard, it also decreases the insulation value of your home. The frames that are rotten allow cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape, which costs you money. The rotting wood allows moisture to enter the frame and causes it to degrade. This affects the frame's ability to hold heat or cool in your home.

A weak window frame can leave your home vulnerable to burglars who could easily penetrate the window to access the inside of your home. This type of damage could be avoided by fixing and re-building your wooden windows. Your home will be more attractive and safe.

It's important to repair your wooden window frames or sills as soon as 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 form on the inside of window frames.

It is important to contact an expert when you spot any of the issues mentioned above. Wood rot can spread quickly and the earlier it is dealt with more affordable and less it will cost to fix. If you put off addressing it until all the wood has rotted away and is unaffordable to repair.

In 95% of cases frames and sills that have rotted can be repaired if the rot is detected early enough. Our skilled and experienced technicians can replace the rotting areas of the frame, leaving you with windows that are as good as new.

Muntins & Mullions

The mullions and muntins that divide your window panes aren't just decorative, they also serve to support the glass. They are a common component of windows that could be damaged or even broken. They can be fake or real, when your mullions and muntins get damaged, chipped or damaged, it is crucial to have them repaired, because they could be a major detriment to the look of your home.

Muntins & Mullions

Although they look similar, and often confused (perhaps the alliteration can be helpful) muntins, mullions and mullions are different window components. A reputable window installation firm explains the differences between them to avoid miscommunication and confusion.

Mullions or dividers are common in multi-paned windows. In the past, they were utilized to support and separate large sheets of glass. They are now used as an element of decoration and design for your home.

Although mullions aren't the strongest part of your window, they do offer some security. If a burglar breaks the window pane then he'll probably cut the mullion in order to gain access to your home.

Putty can be used to repair damaged mullions or muntins. Window repair professionals clean the surface and apply new putty before resecuring the mullions and muntins. This is a relatively easy repair to your windows and shouldn't interfere with the functioning of your windows.

If your windows are leaking or aren't closing properly, there may be issues with the sashes or frames. Certain sashes are stuck in frames because of broken cords or springs. The sashes might also be too heavy, or they could have come off the track. A sash that is difficult to raise or lower can usually be fixed by re-balancing the weights and springs.

The wood strips that hold a single sheet of glass in place on an older window are known as muntins, or mullions. If they begin to rot and need to be replaced, they should be replaced. Window repair professionals can replace the rotted muntins or mullions and they won't hinder the function of your windows.

One of the most prevalent issues with old windows is the sill, which may not be sloped enough to allow water to drain. It is essential to inspect the sill and ensure that it slopes downwards, away from the home. If it does not the drip cap can easily be put in place. This simple step can decrease the likelihood of water infiltration.

Sashes

When window sashes stop functioning properly, it's time to take an in-depth look at the situation. The weather and the time can easily affect wooden window sashes. If they are not opened correctly, air or water can enter the room quickly. A similar event could cause aluminum sashes to become ineffective. The presence of damp or sweat on windows is a common indicator 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, then re-painting. More serious problems will require the removal of the entire structure. This should be left to window repair experts.

The sash can be disassembled by first taking the locking pins off and the sash cords from the window frame. Then, take off the parting beads (vertical strips holding the upper window sash). Finally, pull out the upper window sash. Once the sash has been removed, you can take it off and store the sash hardware.

The mortise and tenon joints in the sash are joined by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs using the help of a pin punch and hammer. The pegs are usually larger on one side than the other. Remove the pegs from the shorter end to avoid damaging the sash.

You can see the pockets in which the glass panes are held once the sash has been completely disassembled. These pockets are often screwed or pinned into place. They should be gently prised by a sharp knife.

Once pockets are removed, the sash can be re-bedded in a new glazing compound. The person who wrote the book is able to bed the sash with an easel made from wood, and then holds it against the easel as they work the compound into a groove or rabbet surrounding the pane opening. After the sash has been stuffed, it is allowed to dry for two days before being put back together. The sash will then be treated with a homemade wood preserver made from a mixture of mineral spirits and boiled oils from linseed. This can reduce the amount of draughts that enter and improve the ability to close and open the window.

Caps for drip Caps

Drip caps are simple, virtually invisible caps that channel rainwater away from window frames in a storm. They are typically made from wood, but they can also be constructed from bricks or other masonry. Some drip caps are designed to be decorative, while others have a more utilitarian appearance. Regardless of design, a quality drip cap ought to be capable of enduring the elements and prevent water from seeping behind 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 to have an expert contractor install their drip cap. A drip cap should be nailed to the sheathing around the window, at least an 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 bought ready-made from a variety of home improvement stores and window retailers, or a homeowner can make them at home with a sheet of aluminum, a vice and some simple tools. To do this homeowners must first pry up or remove a row of siding above the window and then cut the drip cap to a length that is slightly wider than the window. After the drip cap is cut, it's slipped under the tape and secured using galvanized nails to the sheathing. The cap must be secured on both ends and firmly secured to the sheathing.