How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time
A storm that is severe or a rock thrown by the lawnmower or an accident at home can cause your windows to crack. You might be able to get by with some temporary fixes until Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel and North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.
A strip of clear masking tape or packing tape will keep superficial cracks, such a spider cracks, from worsening. Make sure you tape both sides of the crack.
Rotted Frames
Wood rot around windows isn't just a visual nuisance and a potential safety hazard It also lowers the insulation value of your home. The frames that are rotten can let cold air in your home, and warm air out, causing you to lose money. The wood that is rotting allows moisture to enter the frame and causes it to degrade. This affects the frame's ability to hold the temperature or cool inside your home.
Additionally, a weak window frame leaves your home vulnerable to burglars who can easily break through the window to access the inside of your home. This kind of damage can be avoided by repairing and re-building your wooden windows. Your home will become more attractive and safe.
If your window sills and frames start to become rotten, it's important to have them repaired immediately, before the problem spreads. The first indication of rot is usually visible cracks or discolorations within the paint. More advanced signs of rotting could include a soft feel to the wood, or a buildup of mold on the inside of your window frames.
If you notice any of these signs it is essential to call in an expert to assess the damage and repair it as soon as you can. Wood rot is a fast-growing issue and the earlier it is dealt with, the cheaper and easier it will be to fix. In reality, if you delay until the wood has completely rotted, it'll be impossible to repair.
In 95% of cases frames and sills that are rotting can be repaired If the rot is caught early enough. Our skilled and experienced technicians can replace the rotting areas of the frame, resulting in windows as like new.
Muntins and Mullions
The muntins or mullions between your window panes function as more than just decorative elements. They also serve to support the glass. They are a standard part of windows, and they can be damaged or even broken. No matter if they're real or faux, when your muntins and mullions become cracked, chipped, or dented it is imperative to have them repaired, since they can 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 can be helpful) Mullions, muntins and mullions are two distinct components of a window. A reliable window installation company will explain the distinctions between them to avoid confusion and confusion.
Mullions, or dividers between glass panes, are a common feature in traditional multi-pane windows. In the past they were used as an aid in separating large sheets. Today, they are a decorative and design element that provides an elegant look to your home.
Although mullions aren't the strongest part of your window, they do offer some security. If a thief breaks one of your window panes he or she will likely also break the mullion to get into your home.
Broken mullions and muntins can be fixed with putty. Window repair professionals clean the surface and apply fresh putty before resecuring the mullions and muntins. This is a fairly simple repair to your windows and shouldn't interfere with the functioning of your windows.
There could be problems with the frame or sashes if your windows leak or fail to shut and open correctly. In some instances, the sashes may be stuck in their frames due to broken springs or cords. The sashes may also be too heavy, or they could have come off the track. A sash that is hard to lower or raise is usually fixed by re-balancing springs and weights.
The wood strips that hold a single pane of glass in the window of an older one are known as muntins, or mullions. If they begin to rot, they need to be replaced. Window repair professionals can replace the muntins or mullions and they won't interfere with the purpose 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 downwards away from the home. If it isn't the drip cap can easily be put in place. It's a simple procedure that will drastically reduce the chance of moisture infiltration.
Sashes
When window sashes stop functioning correctly it's time to take an examination of the situation. The weather and the time can easily affect wooden window sashes. When they fail to open properly, water or air can quickly get into the room. A similar event can cause aluminum sashes become ineffective. Sweating or dampness on the windows is a common indicator of such problems.
The most common cause for issues with sash is simple wear and tear. They are often fixed by filling, sanding and repainting. More serious issues will require the removal of the window. This is best left to window repair professionals.
The sash can be disassembled by first by removing the locking pins as well as the sash cords from the window frame. Then, take off the parting beads (vertical strips that hold the upper window sash). Finally remove the upper window sash. Once the sash is unlocked, you can take it off the hardware that holds it and put it in a secure place.
The mortise-and tenon joints are held together with wooden pegs. Take the pegs off using the hammer and pin. The pegs are usually larger on one side than the other. Take the pegs from the shorter end in order to avoid damaging the sash.
When the sash has been completely removed, you'll be able to see the pockets that hold the glass panes. The pockets are typically pinned or screwed into place and should be gently prised out with a sharp knife.
The sash is now ready to be coated with a new compound. The person who wrote the book is able to bed the sash with an easel that is made from scrap wood, securing it against the easel as they work the compound into a groove or rabbet surrounding the pane opening. The sash should be allowed to dry for at least two days before it is reassembled. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preserver made of one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiled linseed oils. This will reduce the amount draughts, and improve the ability of the window to be shut and opened.
Caps with drip Caps
Drip caps are simple, virtually invisible caps that divert rainwater away from window frames in a storm. They are usually made of wood but can also be made from bricks or other types of masonry. Some drip caps are designed to look attractive, while others have a more utilitarian appearance. Regardless of design, a quality drip cap should be strong enough to withstand the elements and prevent water from getting behind the casings, which could cause wood rot.
A drip cap can be easily installed by a homeowner who has some basic tools and a bit of knowledge. However, many homeowners prefer having an expert contractor install their drip cap. The drip cap should be secured to the sheathing that surrounds the window at least one inch from the trim board and the slope should be away from the window. Use galvanized nails, and apply a high quality exterior grade sealant on the bottom of both the sheathing and drip cap.
Homeowners can make drip caps at home using aluminum sheets, a vice, and a few tools. To make them the homeowner should first take off or cut a row of siding above the window and then cut the drip cap to a length slightly wider than the window. After the drip cap has been cut, it is slipped under the tape and nailed with galvanized nails onto the sheathing. It is important that the cap be nailed at both ends, and is nailed to the sheathing in such a way that it doesn't move regardless of the weight of the sheathing and siding attached.