10 Healthy Windows Repair Habits

How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

A bad storm or a rock that is thrown by a lawnmower or an accident at home can cause cracks in your windows. You may be able make do with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel & North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.

The use of clear packing tape or masking tape can stop superficial cracks like spider cracks from getting worse. Tape both sides of the crack.

Rotted Frames

Wood rot around your windows is not just unsightly however, it could be a security risk. It can also decrease the insulation value of a house. The frames that are rotten allow cold air to enter your home, and warm air to escape, costing you money. The rotting wood allows moisture into the frame, which causes it to deteriorate. This decreases the frame's ability to hold heat or cool in your home.

A weak frame for your window can also expose your home to burglars who are capable of easily breaking the window and gain entry to your home's interior. Rebuilding and repairing 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 you can, before the problem gets worse. The first sign of rot is usually visible cracks or discolorations of the paint. The wood may appear soft or feel brittle, or mold could form on the inside of the window frames.

If you are experiencing any of these signs it is essential to contact a professional to inspect the damage and repair it as soon as you can. Wood rot is a fast-growing issue, so the sooner it is addressed it is, the less it will be to repair. In reality, if you delay until the wood has completely rotted, it'll be impossible to fix.

In 95% of cases frames and sills that are rotting can be repaired if the rot is detected early enough. Our skilled and experienced technicians can repair the areas that are rotting on the frame, resulting in windows that are as fresh as new.

Muntins and Mullions

The muntins or mullions between your window panes function as more than simply decorative elements. They also support the glass. They are a common part of windows that can be damaged or broken. It does not matter if they're fake, real or a combination of both, if your muntins or mullions are chipped, cracked or damaged, it is important to have them fixed. They can make your home appear less appealing.

Muntins & Mullions

While they look similar and are often confused for one another (perhaps the alliteration can help), mullions and muntins are two distinct components of a window. To avoid confusion and miscommunication, a reputable window installation company will clarify the differences between these two parts.

Mullions or dividers are common in multi-paned windows. In the past, they were used as a support and to separate large sheets. They are used as an ornamental element and as a design in your home.

The mullions on your windows aren't the most durable but they do provide some security. If a burglar breaks the window pane and breaks it, he'll likely smash the mullion in order to gain access to your home.

Putty can be used to fix damaged mullions or muntins. Window repair experts clean the surface apply new putty and re-secure them in place. This is a relatively easy window repair and should not impact the performance of your windows.

If your windows are leaking or not opening and closing properly, it could be due to issues with the sashes or frames. In certain instances, the sashes may be stuck in their frames because of broken cords or springs. They may be too heavy or have fallen off the track. Rebalancing the weights and springs can help a sash that is difficult to raise or lower.

The wood strips that hold a single sheet of glass in position on a window that is older are called muntins, or mullions. If they begin to rot and need to be replaced, they should be replaced. Window repair specialists can replace the damaged muntins and mullions, and they won't hinder the function of your windows.

The sills of old windows may not slope enough to allow drainage of water. It is crucial to look at the sill and ensure that it slopes downward, away from the house. If it doesn't the drip cap can easily be installed. It's an easy task that will drastically reduce the chance of water infiltration.

Sashes

If window sashes don't function correctly it's time to take a closer look at the situation. Wooden windows sashes can be affected by weather changes and the passage of time. If they do not open properly, air or water can enter the room quickly. Aluminum sashes may be ineffective due to similar circumstances. Sweating and dampness around windows are common symptoms of these problems.

Most often, sash issues are caused by simple wear and tear. They can often be corrected by filling the sash, sanding and painting over. More serious issues may require the removal of the window. This task should be left to professional upvc window repair repair companies.

The sash is disassembled by removing the locking pins from the top of the window frame, and remove the sash cords. Then, take out the parting beads (vertical strips of wood that hold the upper sash) and pull out the upper sash. Once the sash has been removed, you can remove and store the hardware for the sash.

The mortise and tenon joints are held together by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs with pin punch and hammer. The pegs tend to be larger on one side than on the other. Remove the pegs from the shorter end in order to avoid damaging the sash.

Once the sash is completely removed, you'll be able to see the pockets that hold the glass panes. The pockets are typically secured by screws or pins and must be gently snipped out using a sharp knife.

Once the pockets are removed the sash is then able to be put in a new glazing compound. The person who wrote the book beds the sash using an easel that is made from scrap wood, securing it against the easel as they work the compound into the shape of a rabbet or groove around the pane's opening. The sash should be allowed to dry for a minimum of two days before it is assembled. The sash is then treated with homemade wood preserver made by mixing mineral spirits and boiled oils from linseed. This will help to reduce the amount of draughts that enter and improve the ability to close and open the window.

Caps with drip Caps

Drip caps are simple, nearly imperceptible caps that divert water away from window frames during a rainstorm. They are typically constructed from wood, but they could also be constructed out of brick or a different form of masonry. Some drip caps have an attractive appearance, while others are more utilitarian. Regardless of design, a good quality drip cap should be strong enough to withstand the elements and keep water from getting behind the casings, which could cause wood decay.

With a few basic tools and a little knowledge, a drip-cap is easily installed by a homeowner. Many homeowners prefer hiring a contractor to install their drip cap. A drip cap must be nailed to the sheathing around a window, at least one inch from the trim board, and it should slope away from the window. Use galvanized nails, and apply a high-quality exterior grade sealant on the underside of both the sheathing and drip cap.

Drip caps are available ready-made from a variety of home improvement stores and window stores homeowners can create them at home with an aluminum sheet with a vice and a few basic tools. To do this homeowners must first remove or pry off the siding on top of the window, and then cut a drip cap to a length slightly larger than the window. After the drip cap is cut, it's slipped under the tape and nailed using galvanized nails to the sheathing. It is essential that the cap is nailed at both ends, and is secured to the sheathing in a manner that it will not move, even with the weight of the siding and sheathing connected.