10 Windows Repair Tricks Experts Recommend

How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

Windows that crack can result from a violent storm, lawnmowers hurling a rock or an accident. You may be able to make do with a few temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman from 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 as spider cracks, window repair from escalating. Tape both sides of the crack.

Frames that are Rotted

The wood rot that surrounds your windows is not just unsightly, but it can be a danger to your safety. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of a home. The frames that are rotten can let cold air to enter your home, and warm air out, causing you to lose money. This is because the rotting wood allows moisture to penetrate and degrade the inner frame, reducing its ability to hold cool or warm air inside your home.

A weak window frame can make your home vulnerable to burglars who will be capable of easily breaking the window and gain access to your home's interior. This kind of damage can be avoided by repairing and rebuilding your wooden windows. Your home will look more attractive and secure.

It is crucial to repair your wooden window frames or sills as soon as possible and before the problem gets worse. The first sign of rot is usually visible cracks or discolorations in the paint. The more advanced signs of rotting could include a softer feel to the wood, or the appearance of mold on the inside of your window frames.

If you notice any of these signs, it is imperative to seek out an expert to assess the damage and repair it immediately. Wood rot is a fast-growing issue, so the sooner it is addressed, the cheaper and easier it will be to fix. If you put off addressing it until all the wood has rotted away and is unaffordable to repair.

In 95% of the cases, rotting frames and sills are fixable If the rot is caught early enough. Our technicians are highly skilled and will repair the rotting parts of the frame, giving you windows that look like new.

Muntins and Mullions

The mullions and muntins that are between the panes of your windows serve as more than just decorative elements. They also help support the glass. They are a common component of windows that could be damaged or even broken. It doesn't matter if they are fake, real or a combination of both, if your muntins or mullions get cracked, chipped or dented, it is crucial to repair them. They can make your home appear less attractive.

Muntins & Mullions

Although they might appear similar, window repair and often confused (perhaps the alliteration can be helpful), mullions & muntins are two distinct components of a window. To avoid confusion and confusion, a reputable window installation company will clarify the differences between these two parts.

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

Although mullions aren't the strongest part of your window, they do offer some security. If a burglar breaks one of your window panes they'll probably smash the mullion too to gain entry into your home.

Broken mullions and muntins can be fixed with putty. Window repair experts clean the surface and apply new putty before re-securing the mullions and muntins. It's a relatively simple window repair and should not impact the performance of your windows.

There may be an issue with the frame or sashes if your windows leak or do not close and open properly. Some sashes become stuck in frames due to 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 lower or raise can usually be corrected by balancing springs and weights.

If you have an older window with only one pane of glass, the wood strips that hold the glass in place are referred to as muntins or mullions. If they start to rot and become damaged, you'll need to replace them. Window repair professionals can replace the damaged muntins or mullions, and they won't hinder the functionality of your windows.

One of the most frequent problems with old windows is the sill, which may not slope enough downward to let water drain away. Examine the sill to ensure that it is sloping away from the house. If it doesn't, a new drip cap could be put in place. It's a simple task that will greatly reduce the chances of moisture infiltration.

Sashes

If window sashes don't function correctly it's time to take an examination of the situation. Wooden window sashes are easily affected by changes in weather and the passing of time. If they don't open properly, water or air can enter the room quickly. The same thing could cause aluminum sashes to become unsuitable. The dampness and sweating around windows are typical signs of these issues.

The most common cause for problems with sash is simply wear and tear. They can be fixed by filling the area, and then painting it again. More serious issues will require the disassembly. This is best left to window repair experts.

The sash is disassembled by first removing the locking pins and the sash cords from the window frame. Then, take out the parting beads (vertical strips of wood that hold the upper sash) and then pull out the upper sash. When the sash is completely free, you can remove the hardware that holds it and put it in a secure place.

The mortise and the tenon joints of the sash are held together by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs using a hammer and pin punch. Most of the time, one side of the peg is larger than the other and should be removed from the smaller end to avoid causing damage to the sash.

There are pockets in which the glass panes are held after the sash is completely removed. These pockets are often fixed by screws or pins. They should be gently prised using a sharp blade.

The sash is then ready to be painted with a new compound. The author puts the sash in bed using an easel made from wood, and then holds it against the easel while working the compound into an edging or rabbet around the pane opening. The sash needs to dry for at least two days before it can be reassembled. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preserver made by mixing mineral spirits and boiled linseed oil. This can reduce the amount of draughts and increase the ability to close and open the window.

Caps for drip Caps

Drip caps are simple, almost invisible caps that draw water away from window frames during a rainstorm. They are typically constructed of wood, however they may also be created from brick or another type of brick. Some drip caps have aesthetic appeal, whereas others are more utilitarian. A good quality drip cap will be resistant to the elements, and prevent water from getting into casings where it could cause wood rot.

With a few basic tools, and a bit of know-how, a drip cap can be easily installed by a homeowner. Many homeowners prefer to hire a professional to install their drip cap. A drip cap should be nailed around the 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 bottom of the sheathing and drip cap.

Drip caps are available ready-made from a variety of home improvement stores and window retailers or homeowners can make them at home with an aluminum sheet along with a vice and basic tools. To make them the homeowner has to first remove or cut the top row of the window. Then, they will be able to cut a drip-cap to a length slightly wider than the the window. After the drip cap is cut, it is placed under the tape, and then nailed using galvanized nails to the sheathing. The cap must be secured at both ends and secured to the sheathing.