The Reasons Windows Repair Is More Risky Than You Think

How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

A storm that is severe, a rock that is thrown by a lawnmower or a mishap at home can leave your windows with cracks. You may be able to manage with temporary fixes until an Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel and North PG professional can come to fix the damage.

A strip of clear masking or packing tape can keep superficial cracks, like spider cracks, from worsening. Be sure to tape both sides of the crack.

Rotted Frames

The rot of wood around windows isn't just ugly and a danger to safety, it also reduces the insulation value of your home. Frames that are damaged by rot can allow cold air into your home, and warm air out, which can cause you to lose money. The wood that is rotting allows moisture into the frame and causes it to deteriorate. This affects the frame's capacity to keep temperatures or cool your home.

A weak window frame can make your home vulnerable to burglars who are in a position to easily break the window and gain access to your home's interior. This type of damage can be prevented by repairing and reinstalling your wooden windows. Your home will be more attractive and secure.

When your wooden window sills and frames start to become rotten, it's important to have them repaired immediately before the issue gets worse. The first indication of rot is usually visible cracks or discolorations within the paint. More advanced signs of rotting may be a softer feeling to the wood, or the appearance of mold on the interior of your window frames.

It is essential to call an expert when you spot any of the above problems. Wood rot is a fast-growing issue and the earlier it is dealt with, the cheaper and easier it will be to fix. If you put off addressing it until all the wood is rotting away, it is impossible to fix.

In 95% of cases frames and sills that have rotted are repairable if the rot is detected early. 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 mullions and muntins which create a barrier between your window panes isn't just decorative, they also help to help support the glass. They are a common part of windows that can be damaged or broken. No matter if they're fake or real, if your muntins and mullions become damaged, chipped or damaged, it is crucial to repair them, since they can be a major detriment to the look of your home.

Muntins & Mullions

While they look similar and are often confused for each other (perhaps the alliteration helps), mullions and muntins are two distinct window components. A reputable window installation firm will explain the distinctions between them to avoid miscommunication and confusion.

Mullions or dividers are typical in multi-paned windows. In the past they were used as support for the windows and also to separate large sheets. They are now used as a decorative element and design in your home.

The mullions of your windows aren't the strongest part, but they do offer some security. If a burglar is able to break a window pane, he will probably break the mullion in order to gain access to your home.

Putty can be used to repair broken mullions or muntins. Window repair experts clean the surface, apply new putty, and then secure them back in place. This is a simple repair to your window that won't impact the window's functionality.

If your windows are leaky or not opening and closing correctly, there could be issues with the sashes, or frame. In some instances, the sashes may be stuck in their frames due to broken cords or springs. The sashes might also be too heavy or they may have fallen off the track. Rebalancing springs and weights can help a sash that is hard to raise or lower.

If you have an older window that has a single-pane of glass, the wood strips that hold the glass in place are referred to as muntins or mullions. If they begin to rot they must be replaced. Window repair specialists will replace damaged muntins and the mullions with no impact on the functionality of your windows.

One of the most common problems with windows that are old is the sill, which may not be sloped enough to allow water to drain. It is crucial to look at the sill and make sure that it slopes downwards away from the home. If it isn't, a new drip cap can be put in place. This simple procedure can lower the possibility of water infiltration.

Sashes

If window sashes don't function correctly it's time to take an in-depth look at the situation. Wooden windows sashes can be affected by weather changes and the passage of time. When they do not open properly, air or water can easily enter the room. Aluminum sashes could become unsuitable due to similar incidents. A dampness or shivering around windows are typical indicators of such problems.

Most of the time, sash issues are caused by simple wear and tear. They can be addressed by filling the area before re-painting. However, more serious issues will require disassembly of the sash. This is best left to window repair professionals.

The disassembly of the sash starts by removing the locking pins from the top of the window frame, and removing the sash cords. Then, take out the parting beads (vertical strips of wood that hold the upper sash) and pull out the upper sash. After the sash is removed, it is possible to remove and store the hardware for the sash.

The mortise-and tenon joints are held together with wooden pegs. Remove the pegs with pin punch and hammer. Most of the time, one side of the peg is larger than the other and should be driven out from the smaller side to avoid damaging the sash.

There are pockets in which glass panes are secured once the sash has been completely removed. The pockets are usually secured by a screw or pin. They are to be gently cut by a sharp knife.

Once pockets are removed, the sash can be re-bedded in a new glazing compound. The person who wrote the book beds the sash using a homemade easel, holding it against the easel while forming the compound into the shape of a rabbet or groove around the pane's opening. After the sash has been stuffed, it is left to dry for two full days before being reassembled. The sash window repair is then treated with a homemade wood preservative that is made from one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiling linseed oil. This will decrease the amount of draughts and also improve the capacity of the window to be closed and opened.

Drip Caps

Drip caps are simple, almost invisible caps that redirect rainwater away from window frames in a storm. They are usually constructed from wood, but they can also be made out of brick or a different type of brick. Some drip caps sport an attractive appearance, while others are more functional. Regardless of style, a high-quality drip cap should be strong enough to withstand the elements and keep water from seeping behind casings, which can cause wood decay.

With a few basic tools, and a bit of know-how, a drip cap can easily be installed by a home owner. Many homeowners choose to hire a contractor to install their drip cap. A drip cap should be secured to the sheathing around the window, at least an inch from the trim board and it should slope away from the window. Use galvanized nails, and apply a high-quality exterior grade sealant to the underside of the drip cap and sheathing.

Drip caps can be bought ready-made from a variety of home improvement stores and contractor window retailers or homeowners can make them at home using an aluminum sheet with a vice and a few simple tools. To make this happen the homeowner has to first take off or tear up a row above the window. Then, they will be able to cut the drip cap to a length slightly wider than the size of the window. Once the drip cap has been cut, it should be placed beneath the flashing tape and nailed to sheathing with galvanized nails. It is essential to nail the cap at both ends, and that it is nailed to the sheathing in a manner that it will not move, even with the weight of the sheathing and siding that is attached.