How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time
Cracks in your windows could be caused by a bad storm, a lawnmowers throwing rocks or a collision. You may be able to manage with temporary fixes until Mr. Handyman from Anne Arundel and North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.
The use of clear packing tape or masking tape can help prevent superficial cracks such as spider cracks from getting worse. Tape both sides of the crack.
Frames that are rotten
The rot of wood around windows isn't just unsightly and a potential safety hazard, it also reduces 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 reason for this is that the decaying wood allows moisture penetrate and degrade the inner frame, reducing its ability to hold cool or warm air inside your home.
A frayed window frame could also make your home vulnerable to burglars who will be able to easily break the window and gain entry to your home's interior. This type of damage can be avoided by repairing and re-building your wooden windows. Your home will be more attractive and safe.
When your wooden window frames and sills get rotten, it's crucial to have them repaired immediately before the issue gets worse. The first sign of rot is usually visible cracks or discolorations within the paint. More advanced signs of rotting could include a softer feel to the wood, or the appearance of mold on the inside of the window frames.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is imperative to seek out an expert to assess the damage and fix it as soon as you can. Wood rot can spread quickly and the sooner you address it, the less costly and less difficult to fix. If you put off addressing it until all the wood is rotting away it will be impossible to fix.
Fortunately, window frames that are rotting and sills can be repaired in 95% of the cases when the rot is caught early. Our technicians are highly skilled and are able to repair the rotting parts of the frame to give windows that look as new.
Muntins and Mullions
The mullions and muntins that are between your window panes function as more than just decorative elements. They also support the glass. Therefore, they are an extremely common part of a window to become damaged or broken. No matter if they're real or faux, when your muntins and mullions become cracked, chipped, or damaged, it is essential to repair them, because they could be a significant detraction from the overall appearance of your home.
Muntins & Mullions
Although they look like they do, and are often confused (perhaps the alliteration helps), mullions & muntins are two distinct components of a window. To avoid window repairs near me and confusion, a reputable window installation company will clarify the distinctions between these two components.
Mullions, also known as dividers, are commonly seen in multi-paned windows. In the past, they were used to support and divide large sheets of glass. They are now an ornamental and design element that gives a timeless look to your home.
While mullions aren't the most secure part of your window, they do provide some security. If a burglar breaks one of your window panes, he or she will likely smash the mullion too to gain entry into your home.
Putty can be used to fix damaged mullions or muntins. Window repair experts clean the surface and apply new putty before re-securing them. This is a fairly simple window repair and should not affect the functionality of your windows.
If your windows are leaky or aren't closing correctly, there could be issues with the sashes or frames. Some sashes become stuck in frames because of broken springs or cords. The sashes may also be too heavy or they may have fallen off the track. Rebalancing the weights and springs can help a sash that is hard to raise or lower.
If you have an older windows with one glass pane, the wood strips that hold the glass in place are referred to as muntins or mullions. If they begin to decay they will require you to rebuild them. Window repair specialists can replace the rotted muntins and mullions, and they won't interfere with the purpose of your windows.
The sill of old windows may not slope enough to allow drainage of water. Check the sill to make sure that it is sloping away from the home. If it isn't then a new drip cap can be installed. It's an easy task that will drastically reduce the chance of moisture infiltration.
Sashes
If window sashes aren't functioning properly, it's time for a closer look at the situation. The weather and time can affect wooden window sashes. If they don't open properly, water or air can easily enter the room. The same thing could cause aluminum sashes to become ineffective. The presence of damp or sweat on windows is a typical sign of these issues.
The most common cause for sash issues is simple wear and tear. They can usually be fixed by filling, sanding and repainting. However, more serious problems will require the removal of the sash. This task should be left to a professional window repair company.
Disassembly of the sash begins 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 that are holding the upper sash) and pull out the upper sash. Once the sash is free you can remove the sash hardware and store it in a safe place.
The mortise-and tenon joints are held together with wooden pegs. Remove the pegs using a hammer and pin punch. The majority of the time one side of a peg is larger than the other, and should be removed from the smaller end to avoid damaging the sash.
There are pockets in which glass panes are secured after the sash is completely removed. These pockets are typically secured by a screw or pin. They should be gently prised by a sharp knife.
Once the pockets are removed the sash can be bedded in a new glaze compound. The person who wrote the book beds the sash using an easel that is made from scrap wood, securing it against the easel while forming the compound into a groove or rabbet surrounding 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 preserver made of one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiled linseed oils. This can to reduce the amount of draughts and increase the ability to close and open the window.
Drip Caps
Drip caps are simple, almost imperceptible caps that divert water away from window frames during a storm. They are usually constructed of wood, however they could also be constructed from brick or another type of brick. Some drip caps are designed to be decorative, while others are more utilitarian. Regardless of design, a good quality drip cap should be strong enough to withstand the elements and prevent water from seeping behind casings, where it can cause wood decay.
A drip cap can be easily installed by a homeowner using the use of a few tools and some basic knowledge. However most homeowners prefer to have a professional contractor install their drip cap. A drip cap must be nailed to the sheathing around the window, at least one inch away from the trim board, and it should slope away from the window. It is essential to use galvanized nails, and to apply a high-quality exterior grade sealant to the underside of the drip cap and the sheathing.
Drip caps are available preformed from most home improvement stores and window retailers or homeowners can create them at home with an aluminum sheet, a vice and some simple tools. To do this, a homeowner must first remove or pry off the siding on top of the window and then cut the drip cap to a length slightly wider than the window. Once the drip cap has been cut, it should be placed under the flashing tape and nailed to sheathing with galvanized nails. It is essential that the cap is nailed at both ends, and that it is nailed to the sheathing in a way that it doesn't move, even with the weight of the sheathing and siding that is attached.