5 Windows Repair Tips From The Professionals

How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time
Cracks in your windows could be caused by a bad storm, lawnmowers hurling a rock or an accident. You might be able to get by with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman from Anne Arundel & North PG professional comes to fix the damage.
A clear packing tape or masking tape will keep superficial cracks, such as spider cracks, from worsening. Make sure you tape both sides of the crack.
Rotted Frames
The rot of wood around windows isn't just ugly however, it could be a security risk. It can also lower the energy efficiency of a home. The frames that are rotten can let cold air to enter your home and warm air out, causing you to lose money. The rotting wood allows moisture into the frame and causes it to deteriorate. This reduces the frame's ability to hold the temperature or cool inside your home.
In addition, a weakened window frame can leave your home vulnerable to intruders who could easily penetrate the window and gain access to the inside of your home. Rebuilding and fixing your wooden windows can help prevent this kind of damage, and make your home more secure and appealing.
When your wooden window sills and frames are rotten, it's essential to repair them immediately before the issue gets worse. The first sign of rot is usually visible cracks or discolorations in the paint. The more advanced signs of rotting may include a soft feel to the wood, or the appearance of mold on the interior of the window frames.
If you experience any of these problems you must call in an expert to assess the damage and repair it immediately. Wood rot can spread quickly, so the sooner it is addressed more affordable and less it will be to repair. In fact, if you do not address the issue until the wood is completely rotten, it will be impossible to repair.
In 95% of the cases frames and sills that have rotted are repairable If the rot is caught early enough. Our technicians are highly skilled and can replace the rotting parts of the frame to give windows that appear like new.
Muntins and Mullions
The muntins or mullions between the panes of your windows serve as more than simply decorative elements. They also serve to support the glass. As such, they are an extremely common part of a window that can become damaged or damaged or even broken. Whether they are real or faux, when your mullions and muntins get cracked, chipped, or damaged, it is crucial to repair them, because they could be a significant detraction to the look of your home.
Muntins & Mullions
Although they appear similar and are often confused for one another (perhaps the alliteration helps) Multins and mullions are two distinct components of a window. To avoid confusion and miscommunication, a reputable window installation company will explain the distinctions between these two components.
Mullions, or dividers between glass panes, are a typical component of traditional multi-pane windows. In the past, they were utilized to support and separate large sheets of glass. They are now an ornamental and design element that gives an elegant look to your home.
Although mullions aren't the strongest part of your window, they do offer some security. If a burglar damages the window pane, he will probably cut the mullion to gain access to your home.
Broken mullions and muntins can be fixed with putty. Window repair specialists clean the surface and apply new putty prior to re-securing the mullions and muntins. It's a relatively simple window repair and should not interfere with the functioning of your windows.
If window repairs are leaky or aren't closing correctly, there could be issues with the sashes or frames. In certain instances, the sashes may be stuck in their frames due to broken springs or cords. They could be too heavy or have been thrown off the track. A sash that is difficult to raise or lower is usually fixed by re-balancing the weights and springs.
The wood strips that hold a single piece of glass in position on a window that is older are referred to as muntins or mullions. If they start to rot, you will need to replace them. Window repair professionals can replace rotten muntins and mullions, without affecting the function of your windows.
One of the most common problems with old windows is the sill, which might not be sloped enough to allow water to drain off. Check the sill to make sure that it is sloping away from the home. If it doesn't then a new drip cap can be installed. This simple procedure can lower the possibility of moisture infiltration.
Sashes
When window sashes stop functioning correctly it's time to take an in-depth look at the situation. Wooden window sashes can be easily affected by weather changes and the passage of time. If they don't open correctly, air or water can enter the room quickly. Similar events could cause aluminum sashes to become ineffective. The dampness and sweating around windows are common signs of these issues.
The most common cause of sash issues is simple wear and tear. They can be corrected by filling the area, and then painting it again. More serious problems will require the removal of the window. This task should be left to professional window repair companies.
Disassembly of the sash begins by taking the locking pins off the top of the window frame and taking off the sash cords. Then, remove the parting bead (vertical strips holding the upper window sash). Finally take out the upper window sash. When the sash is completely free, you can remove the sash hardware and store it in a secure place.
The mortise-and tenon joints are held together with wooden pegs. Take the pegs off using a pin punch and hammer. The pegs tend to be larger on one side than on the other. Remove the pegs from the smaller end to avoid damaging the sash.
After the sash is fully dismantled, you will be able to see the pockets that hold the glass panes. The pockets are typically secured by screws or pins and must be gently pulled out with a sharp knife.
Once the pockets are removed the sash can be re-bedded in a new glaze compound. The author beds the sash by putting it up against a homemade easel, and then working the compound into the groove or rabbet around the pane opening. After the sash is dipped, it is allowed to dry for two full days before being reassembled. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preserver created from a mixture of mineral spirits and boiled linseed oils. This can help reduce the amount of draughts that enter and improve the ability to shut and open the window.
Caps with drip Caps
Drip caps are simple, almost invisible caps that redirect water away from window frames during a storm. They are typically made from wood but could also be constructed of bricks or other types of masonry. Some drip caps are designed to be decorative, while others are more utilitarian in appearance. No matter what the style, a high-quality drip cap must be strong enough to withstand the elements and keep water from getting behind the casings, where it can cause wood decay.
With just a few tools, and some knowledge, a drip-cap can easily be installed by a home owner. Many homeowners choose to hire a professional to install their drip cap. The drip cap should be attached to the sheathing around the window at least one inch away from trim board and it should slope away from the window. Apply galvanized nails and a high quality exterior grade sealant to the underside of both the sheathing and drip cap.
Homeowners can make drip caps at home by using aluminum sheets as well as a vice and a few tools. To make them, a homeowner must first pry up or remove the siding on top of the window and then cut the drip cap to a length that is slightly larger than the window. After the drip cap has been cut, it's slipped under the tape and secured with galvanized nails to the sheathing. The cap should be nailed on both ends and firmly fixed to the sheathing.