How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time
Cracks in your windows can be caused by a bad storm, lawnmowers hurling a rock or an accident. You might be able to manage with temporary fixes until Mr. Handyman from Anne Arundel and North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.
A clear masking or packing tape will keep superficial cracks, such as spider cracks, from worsening. Tape both sides of the crack.
Frames that are Rotted
The rot of wood around windows isn't just ugly and a potential safety hazard, it also reduces 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 into the frame, which causes it to weaken. This reduces the frame's capacity to keep temperatures or cool your home.
A weak frame for your window can also make your home vulnerable to burglars who are in a position to easily break the window and gain entry to your home's interior. Rebuilding and fixing your wooden windows can prevent this type of damage, and make your home more secure and attractive.
It's important to repair your wooden window frames or sills as soon as possible, before the problem gets worse. The first sign of rot will be visible cracks in your paint, or spots of discoloration on the wood. The wood may feel soft or mold may develop on the inside of the window frames.
It is essential to call an expert as soon as you notice any of the issues mentioned above. Wood rot spreads rapidly and the earlier it is addressed it is, the less it will be to fix. If you do not address it until the entire wood is rotting away it will be impossible to fix.
In 95% of the cases frames and sills that have rotted can be repaired when the rot is discovered early. Our experienced and skilled technicians can repair the damaged areas of the frame, leaving you with windows that are as like new.
Muntins and Mullions
The mullions and muntins that are between your window panes function as more than just decorative elements. They also serve to support the glass. They are a typical part of windows, and they can be damaged or broken. Whether they are fake or real, when your mullions and muntins get damaged, chipped or damaged, it is crucial to get them repaired because they could be a major detriment to the look of your home.
Muntins & Mullions
Although they appear similar and are often mistaken for one another (perhaps the alliteration aids) muntins and mullions are two distinct components of a window. To avoid confusion and confusion, a reliable window installation firm will explain the differences between these two components.
Mullions, or dividers between glass panes, are a common feature in traditional multi-pane windows. Historically, they were used to help support and separate large sheets of glass. They are an element of decoration and design in your home.
The mullions of your windows may not be the most durable however they can provide some security. If a burglar damages one of your window panes he or she will likely break the mullion as well to get into your home.
Muntins and mullions that are damaged can be fixed with putty. Window repair specialists clean the surface and apply fresh putty prior to re-securing the mullions and muntins. This is an easy repair to your window that won't impact the performance of your window.
If window repairs are leaking or aren't closing correctly, there could be issues with the sashes or frames. Some sashes become stuck in the frames because of broken springs or cords. They may also be too heavy, or have fallen off the track. A sash that is difficult to raise or lower is usually repaired by balancing springs and weights.
The wood strips that hold a single sheet of glass in place on an older window are called muntins, or mullions. If they begin to rot, they need to be rebuilt. Window repair professionals can replace rotten muntins and mullions without affecting the function of your windows.
One of the most prevalent problems with old windows is the sill, which might not be sloped enough to let water drain away. It is crucial to look at the sill and ensure that it slopes downward, away from the house. If it isn't, a drip cap can easily be installed. This simple task can reduce the possibility of water infiltration.
Sashes
When window sashes stop functioning correctly it's time to take a closer look at the situation. The weather and the time can affect wooden window sashes. If they don't open correctly, air or water can easily enter the room. Aluminum sashes could be ineffective due to similar circumstances. A dampness or shivering around windows are typical signs of these issues.
Most of the time, sash issues result from simple wear and tear. They can be corrected by filling and sanding the area before re-painting. However, more serious issues will require the removal of the sash. This is a job best left to a professional window repair company.
The sash can be disassembled by first removing the locking pins and the sash cords from the window frame. Next, remove the parting beads (vertical strips of wood that are holding the upper sash) and pull out the upper sash. After the sash is removed, you can take it off and store the sash hardware.
The mortise-and-tenon joints are joined by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs with pin punches and hammers. Most of the time, one side of the peg is more than the other and should be driven out from the smaller side to avoid damaging the sash.
After the sash is fully dismantled, you will be able to see the pockets that hold the glass panes. These pockets are often fixed by screws or pins and must be gently pulled out with a sharp knife.
After the pockets have been removed, the sash can be re-bedded in a new glaze compound. The author beds the sash by holding it against an easel and then working the compound into the groove or rabbet, around the pane opening. The sash needs to dry for at least two days before it is reassembled. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preserver made from one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiled linseed oil. This will reduce the amount that draughts are emitted, and increase the capability of the window to be shut and opened.
Caps for drip Caps
Drip caps are simple, nearly invisible caps that redirect water away from windows during a rainstorm. They are usually made of wood but can also be constructed from bricks or other types of masonry. Some drip caps are designed to be attractive, while others have a more utilitarian appearance. No matter what the style, a high-quality drip cap must be able to withstand the elements and prevent water from seeping behind casings, where it can cause wood rot.
A drip cap can be installed by a homeowner with the use of a few tools and a bit of knowledge. However many homeowners prefer having a professional contractor install their drip cap. A drip cap should be nailed to the sheathing around a window, at least one inch away from the trim board and should be sloping away from the window. Use galvanized nails, and apply a high quality exterior grade sealant on the underside of the sheathing and the drip cap.
Homeowners can create drip caps at home with aluminum sheets, a vice, and a few tools. To make them the homeowner should first remove or pry off a row of siding above the window, and then cut a drip cap to a length that is slightly wider than the window. Once the drip cap has been cut, it must be slipped beneath the flashing tape and secured to the sheathing using galvanized nails. The cap must be secured at both ends and attached to the sheathing.