How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time
A severe storm, a rock dropped by the lawnmowers or an accident at home can cause cracks in your windows. You may be able get by with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman from Anne Arundel & North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.
A strip of clear masking tape or packing tape can prevent superficial cracks, such as spider cracks, from escalating. Tape both sides of the crack.
Rotted Frames
The rot on windows' wood isn't just a visual nuisance and a danger to safety and a potential safety hazard, it also decreases the insulation value of your home. Rotted frames allow cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape, costing you money. The reason for this is that the decaying wood allows moisture to penetrate and deteriorate the inner frame, decreasing its capacity to keep cool or warm air in your home.
A weak window frame can also make your home vulnerable to burglars who are in a position to easily break the window and gain access to your home's interior. Rebuilding and repairing 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 you can, 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 more advanced signs of rotting may include a softer feel to the wood, or the appearance of mold on the inside of the window frames.
It is essential to call a professional immediately if you notice any of the issues mentioned above. Wood rot can spread quickly and the earlier it is addressed more affordable and less it will be to repair. If you put off addressing it until all the wood is rotting away and is unaffordable to repair.
Fortunately, window frames that are rotting and sills are repairable in 99% of cases when the rot is caught early. Our technicians are highly skilled and can replace the rotting parts of the frame, giving windows that look as new.
Muntins and Mullions
The mullions and muntins that are between your window panes function as more than simply decorative elements. They also support the glass. They are a very common component of a window to be damaged or damaged or even broken. No matter if they're fake or real, when your mullions and muntins get damaged, chipped or damaged, it is essential to get 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 is helpful), mullions & muntins are two distinct components of a window. A reputable window installation company clarifies the differences between them to avoid confusion and confusion.
Mullions or dividers are common in multi-paned windows. In the past they were used to provide support for the windows and also to separate large sheets. Nowadays, they are a decorative and design element that provides a timeless appearance to your home.
While mullions aren't the most secure part of your window, they do offer some security. If a burglar is able to break the window pane then he'll probably cut the mullion to gain entry to your home.
Broken mullions and muntins can be repaired with putty. Window repair specialists clean the surface and apply fresh putty before resecuring the mullions and muntins. This is an easy repair that won't alter the window's functionality.
If your windows are leaky or aren't closing correctly, there could be issues with the sashes or frame. Certain sashes are stuck in the frames because of broken springs or cords. They could also be too heavy or have fallen off the track. Balanced springs and weights can help a sash that is difficult to raise or lower.
If you have an older windows with only one pane of glass, the wood strips that keep the glass in place are called muntins or mullions. If they rot they will require you to replace them. Window repair professionals will replace rotted muntins and mullions, without affecting the performance of your windows.
The sill of old windows might not slope downward enough to allow for drainage of water. It is important to examine the sill and make sure that it slopes downwards away from the house. If it isn't, a drip cap can easily be put in place. It's an easy task that will drastically reduce the chance of water infiltration.
Sashes
If your window sashes have stopped working correctly, it's important to examine the situation. The weather and the time can easily affect wooden window sashes. When they do not open properly, air or water can quickly get into the room. Aluminum sashes can be ineffective due to similar circumstances. Sweating or dampness on the windows is an indication of these issues.
Most of the time, sash issues are caused by simple wear and tear. They can be addressed by sanding and filling the area, then re-painting. However, more serious issues will require the removal of the sash. This is best left to window repair experts.
The sash is removed by first taking the locking pins off and the sash cords from the window frame. Then, you need to remove the parting bead (vertical strips holding the upper window sash). Finally, pull out the upper window sash. Once the sash is unlocked, you can take it off the hardware for the sash and store it in a safe place.
The mortise and tenon joints are joined by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs using pin punches and hammers. The majority of the time one side of a peg is bigger than the other and should be removed from the smaller end to avoid damaging the sash.
Once the sash is completely dismantled, you'll be able to see the pockets that support the glass panes. These pockets are often screwed or pinned into place. They are to be gently cut with a sharp blade.
The sash is then ready to be painted with new compound. The person who is beding the sash by holding it up against a homemade easel, and then working the compound into the groove or rabbet, around the opening of the pane. The sash must be allowed to dry for at least two days before it can be put back together. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preservative made from one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiled linseed oil. This can reduce the amount of draughts and increase the ability to close and open the window.
Drip Caps
Drip caps are basic, almost invisible caps that draw water away from window frames during a rainstorm. They are usually made of wood, but can also be constructed from bricks or other masonry. Some drip caps have a decorative appearance, while others are more practical. Whatever the design, a good quality drip cap ought to be strong enough to withstand the elements and prevent water from seeping behind casings, which can cause wood decay.
With a few basic tools and a little know-how, a drip cap is easily installed by a homeowner. However many homeowners prefer to have a professional contractor install their drip cap. A drip cap must be nailed to the sheathing around a window, at least an inch away from the trim board and it should slope away from the window. Use galvanized nails, and apply an exterior grade, high-quality sealant on the bottom of the drip cap and sheathing.
Drip caps can be purchased ready-made from a variety of home improvement stores and window retailers homeowners can make them at home with a sheet of aluminum, a vice and some simple tools. To make them, a homeowner must first remove or pry off the siding that is above the window and then cut the drip cap to a length that is slightly larger than the window. Once the drip cap has been cut, it must be slipped 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 secured to the sheathing in a way that it doesn't move, even with the weight of the siding and sheathing connected.