How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

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

A clear masking or packing tape can prevent superficial cracks, such as spider cracks, from escalating. Be sure to tape both sides of the crack.

Frames that are Rotted

Wood rot around windows isn't just a visual nuisance and a danger to safety, 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, costing you money. This is because decaying wood allows moisture penetrate and deteriorate the inner frame, reducing its ability to hold heat or cool air in your home.

A frayed window frame could also expose your home to burglars who will be able to easily break the window and gain entry to your home's interior. Rebuilding and repairing wooden windows can help prevent this kind of damage, making your home more secure and attractive.

It is essential to fix your wooden window frames or sills as soon as possible, before the problem gets worse. Often, the first sign of rot will be visible cracks in your paint, or spots of discoloration on the wood. The wood may appear soft or feel brittle, or mold could build up on the inside of the window frames.

It is crucial to speak with an expert when you spot any of the above issues. Wood rot can spread quickly and the sooner you address it, the less expensive and easier it will be to fix. If you wait until all the wood is rotting away, it is impossible to repair.

Fortunately, window frames that are rotting and sills can be repaired in 95% of cases where the rot has been detected early. Our technicians are highly skilled and will door repair the rotting parts of the frame, giving windows that appear like new.

Muntins and Mullions

The muntins and mullions that separate your window panes aren't just ornamental, they also serve to help support the glass. Therefore, they are a very common component of a window to be damaged or broken. They can be real or faux, when your mullions and muntins get damaged, chipped, or damaged, it is essential to get them repaired as they can be a major detriment from the overall appearance of your home.

Muntins & Mullions

While they look alike and are often confused with one another (perhaps the alliteration can help) muntins and mullions are two different window components. To avoid confusion and confusion, a reputable window installation firm will explain the differences between these two parts.

Mullions, also known as partitions between glass panes are a typical component of traditional multi-pane windows. Historically, they were used to support and glazed divide large sheets of glass. Nowadays, they are an attractive and stylish element that gives an elegant look to your home.

The mullions of your windows may not be the strongest part however they can provide some security. If a burglar damages a window pane, he will probably smash the mullion in order in order to gain access to your home.

Putty can be used to fix damaged mullions and muntins. Window repair specialists clean the surface and apply fresh putty prior to re-securing them. It's a relatively simple repair to your windows and shouldn't impact the performance of your windows.

There could be a problem with the frames or sashes if the windows leak or don't close and open properly. Some sashes become stuck in frames due to broken springs or cords. The sashes could also be too heavy or they may have slipped off the track. Rebalancing the weights and springs can help a sash that is hard to lower or raise.

If you have an older windows 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 decay, you will need to replace them. Window repair professionals can replace rotten muntins and mullions, without affecting the function of your windows.

One of the most prevalent issues with old windows is the sill, which may not slope downward enough to let water drain away. Examine the sill to ensure that it is sloping away from the home. If it isn't the drip cap can easily be put in place. This simple procedure can lower the chance of water infiltration.

Sashes

If your window sashes aren't functioning properly, it's vital to examine the situation. The weather and time can have a direct impact on wooden window sashes. When they fail to open properly, air or water can quickly enter the room. Aluminum sashes may become unsuitable because of similar events. A damp or swollen appearance on windows is a common indicator of such problems.

The most common cause for problems with sash is simply wear and tear. They can be addressed by filling the area, and then painting it again. However, more serious issues will require the removal of the sash. This task should be left to professional window repair firms.

The sash is removed by first by removing the locking pins as well as the sash cords from the window frame. Then, remove the parting bead (vertical strips that hold the upper window sash). Finally, pull out the upper window sash. After the sash is removed, you can take it off and store the hardware of the sash.

The mortise-and tenon joints are held together by wooden pegs. Take the pegs off using pin punch and hammer. The majority of the time one side of a peg is bigger than the other, and should be driven away from the smaller end to avoid causing damage to the sash.

There are pockets where glass panes are secured after the sash is completely disassembled. These pockets are usually fixed by screws or pins and must be gently snipped out using a sharp knife.

The sash is now ready to be glazed with a 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 pane opening. The sash must be allowed to dry for at least two days before it is reassembled. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preservative that is made from one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiling linseed oil. This can help to reduce the amount of draughts and improve the ability to shut and open the window.

Caps with drip Caps

Drip caps are simple, almost imperceptible caps that divert water away from window frames during a storm. They are typically made of wood, but they could also be constructed of bricks or other types of masonry. Some drip caps are designed with aesthetic appeal, whereas others are more practical. A quality drip cap is capable of defending against the elements, and prevent water from getting into casings, which could cause wood decay.

A drip cap can be easily installed by a homeowner with a few basic tools and a bit of knowledge. However most homeowners prefer having an expert contractor install their drip cap. The drip cap should be secured to the sheathing surrounding 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 to the underside of both the sheathing and drip cap.

Homeowners can create drip caps at home by using a sheet aluminum as well as a vice and a few basic tools. To do this the homeowner should first remove or pry off a row of siding above the window and then cut a drip cap to a length that is slightly larger than the window. Once the drip cap has been cut, it must be placed under the flashing tape, and nailed to sheathing with galvanized nails. The cap should be nailed at both ends and secured to the sheathing.