How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time
A bad storm, a rock thrown by the lawnmower or a mishap at home can leave your windows with cracks. You could make do with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel & North PG professional comes to fix the damage.
A strip of clear masking or packing tape can keep superficial cracks, such as spider cracks, from escalating. Be sure to tape both sides of the crack.
Frames that are Rotted
The wood rot that surrounds your windows is not only unsightly however, it could be a danger to your safety. It can also lower the energy efficiency of a home. Frames that are damaged by rot can allow cold air in your home and warm air out, which can cause you to lose money. This is because the rotting wood allows moisture to penetrate and deteriorate the inner frame, which reduces its ability to hold heat or cool air in your home.
A weak window frame will leave your home vulnerable to burglars who can easily break through the window and gain access to the inside of your home. This kind of damage can be avoided by repairing and rebuilding your wooden windows. Your home will become more attractive and safe.
If your window frames and sills become rotten, it's important to fix them as soon as possible before the issue 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 could be a softer feeling to the wood, or a buildup of mold on the inside of the window frames.
It is essential to call a professional when you spot any of the above issues. Wood rot spreads quickly and the earlier you address it, the less costly and easier it will be to fix. If you wait until all the wood is rotting away, it is impossible to fix.
Fortunately, rotting window frames and sills are repairable in 95% of the cases when the rot is caught early. Our skilled and experienced technicians can replace the rotting areas of the frame, leaving you with windows that look as good as new.
Muntins & Mullions
The muntins or mullions between your window panes serve as more than simply decorative elements. They also help support the glass. They are a very common component of a window to be damaged or broken. Whether they are fake or real, if your mullions and muntins get damaged, chipped, or dented it is imperative to have them repaired, because they could be a major detriment from the overall appearance of your home.
Muntins & Mullions
While they look similar and are often confused for each other (perhaps the alliteration aids), mullions and muntins are two distinct components of a window. To avoid confusion and miscommunication, a reputable window installation company will explain the differences between these two components.
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. Today, they are an ornamental and design element that provides an elegant look to your home.
While mullions aren't the most secure part of your window, they offer some security. If a thief breaks one of your window panes, he or she will likely break the mullion as well to get into your home.
Broken mullions and muntins can be repaired using putty. Window repair experts clean the surface and apply fresh putty before resecuring them. This is a relatively easy repair to your windows and shouldn't affect the functionality of your windows.
There may be an issue with the frame or sashes in the event that your windows leak or do not close and open properly. Some sashes get stuck in frames because of broken cords or springs. The sashes could also be too heavy, or they may have slipped off the track. A sash that is hard to raise or lower can usually be fixed by re-balancing springs and weights.
If you have an older window with a single-pane of glass the wood strips that hold the glass in place are known as muntins or mullions. If they begin to rot they must be rebuilt. Window repair specialists can replace the muntins or mullions and they won't interfere with the functionality of your windows.
One of the most frequent issues with old windows is the sill, which might not slope downward enough to allow water to drain off. Examine the sill to confirm that it is sloping away from the home. If it doesn't, a drip cap can easily be installed. This simple task can reduce the possibility of water infiltration.
Sashes
If window sashes aren't functioning properly, it's time for an examination of the situation. window repair near me can be affected by weather changes and the passage of time. If they don't open correctly, air or water can easily enter the room. Aluminum sashes can become unsuitable because of similar incidents. Sweating and dampness around windows are typical signs of these issues.
Most of the time, sash issues are caused by simple wear and tear. They can often be corrected by filling, sanding and re-painting. However, more serious issues will require disassembly of the sash. This task should be left to professional window repair companies.
The sash is disassembled by taking the locking pins off the top of the window frame, and taking off the sash cords. Then, you need to remove the parting bead (vertical strips that hold the upper window sash). Then remove the upper window sash. Once the sash is free you can remove the hardware for the sash and store it in a safe location.
The mortise and the tenon joints of the sash are joined by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs with a pin punch and hammer. The pegs are usually larger on one side than the other. Remove the pegs from the shorter end to avoid damaging the sash.
There are pockets in which the glass panes are held once the sash has been completely removed. These pockets are typically fixed by screws or pins. They should be gently prised using a sharp blade.
The sash is then ready to be glazed with new compound. The artist beds 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. Once the sash is bedded it is left to dry for two full days before being reassembled. The sash is then treated using a homemade wood preservative that is made from one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiled linseed oil. This can help reduce the amount of draughts and improve the ability to close and open the window.
Caps for drip Caps
Drip caps are basic, almost invisible caps that draw water away from windows during a rainstorm. They are typically made from wood, but could also be constructed of bricks or other masonry materials. Some drip caps have a decorative appearance, while others are more functional. Whatever the design, a good quality drip cap should be able to withstand the elements and prevent water from seeping behind casings, which could cause wood decay.
A drip cap can be installed by a homeowner with some basic tools and a little know-how. Many homeowners choose to hire an expert to install their drip cap. The drip cap should be secured to the sheathing surrounding a window at least an inch away from trim board and slope away from window. Apply galvanized nails and a high quality exterior grade sealant to the underside of the drip cap and sheathing.
Drip caps are available preformed from most home improvement stores and window retailers or homeowners can make them at home with a sheet of aluminum along with a vice and basic tools. To make this happen first, the homeowner needs to remove or cut a row above the window. Then, they'll be able to cut the drip-cap to a length slightly wider than the width of the window. Once the drip cap has been cut, it should 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 attached to the sheathing in such a way that it won't budge regardless of the weight of the sheathing and siding attached.