The Secret Life Of Window Repairs

Window Repairs You Shouldn't Ignore

If your window won't open and close easily it could be a sign of a failing seal. The expansion or contraction caused by heat can destroy seals in double pane windows over time, allowing dirt and moisture to enter.

Wood rot is also a problem in window frames and sills. Repairing double glazing windows the wood early with epoxy filler can save expensive repairs later.

Chips and cracks

A cracked window is not only ugly, it can be dangerous. It exposes the window to further water and breakage which can lead to an issue with mold. Repair any chips or cracks as soon you can to keep your windows in good shape and your family secure.

Rock chips, pebbles, and even Dolichovespula Maculata seeds can crack your windows. (No this is not an actual plant. It's actually a bug.) Cracks that are caused by these can be fixed.

This repair technique works for single-pane household glass and double-pane windows, which have cracks only in one pane of glass. This method isn't applicable to windshields since they require a special tool that injects resin into the crack to create an air vacuum.

Clean the area in which the crack is to be repaired using glass cleaner. Then, use the thumbtack or pin to remove any glass shards that have fallen in the crack. You can also use acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the surface and make sure that the repair material sticks to the surface properly.

Some methods claim that a fixed crack is nearly invisible. This is the case for certain kinds of repairs, but not for all, especially small cracks. Repairing these cracks can to prevent them from becoming bigger problems, and they may even stop the spread.

If you do want an unnoticeable crack, look for repair kits that use super glue that is clear to repair the damage. This type of glue doesn't swell when it dries and won't cause more damage to the crack. Be sure to study the instructions thoroughly for the product you're using to make the right choice.

If you want to try a temporary solution you can try covering a crack or chip with clear nail polish. This can serve as a sealer and slow down the progression of the crack. It's crucial to apply the polish a little bit outside the edges of the crack to avoid damaging the integrity of the windshield.

Sashes that aren't moving

Many older windows are difficult to open due swollen or rotted wood or because the balance mechanisms that move them up and down could break. But often the problem is something much simpler, like dirt or other debris that has gummed up the mechanisms. It could be that the mechanism needs to be cleaned or lubricated.

The first step is removing the sash. This can be accomplished with an putty knife and a bit of perseverance. Begin by scoring the paint between the sash stop and jamb and then carefully pull them apart. Be careful not to break the sash stop or jamb, and put the pieces aside to keep them safe.

After you have removed the sash, will be able access to the pocket piece and the front window stops. They can be removed using an utility knife, and once they're removed, you should be in a position to lower the top sash all the way to the sill. The bottom sash may be equally difficult to move as the top sash however, it's a bit more difficult. Once you have lowered the sash to the lowest point then use a flathead screwscrew to reset and relock the balance shoe (the small box at the bottom of your window) to be able to support the weight of the sash.

If your sash still doesn't stay up, you may need to replace the balance system, or the sash. It's usually easier to do than you might think, as the replacement parts are relatively inexpensive and available from a number of different vendors. After you have replaced the balance system or sash, you can examine the sash and determine whether it's working as intended.

The sash tilting pin could be removed, or be slid out during cleaning. If you're skilled, you can fix this yourself. However it is recommended to only perform this on older windows that are safe to take apart. If you're not skilled then you'll need to hire a professional with experience in the brand of window that you have.

Caps with drip Caps

If you're experiencing water infiltration around your window, it may be time to consider investing in an additional drip cap. The L-shaped flashing is positioned on the top of the window following installation, but before siding. It assists in directing water away from your frame. It's an easy project that can help prevent water damage and aid in reducing maintenance costs later on.

Add an end dam to the window cap flashing to prevent water from getting into the trim at the edges. Simply use a pair Tin snips to make a small "flap" on both sides of the trim. This will prevent rain from rolling down the sides of the flashing into the wood framing.

You can also purchase drip caps from MS Windows and Doors that are already fabricated with an end dam that is ready for you. These drip caps are available in various color variants and can be added to your order after you make your window purchase.

Install the head flashing underneath the sheathing that is above the drip cap. It's the same type of flashing that is used to create the j channel on your trim for the exterior. It's a good idea not tape the entire length of head flashing, and only cover the corners.

The head flashing is slit on each corner at a 45-degree angle to create an elongated flap. The flap is then folded back and taped again to the sheathing. This creates a small opening for water to flow through the WRB into the sheathing of the house that is above the window.

After you've secured the drip cap to the sheathing, you can apply caulk along the top edge of the cap. This will keep the moisture from soaking into the wood of your housewrap and window sills as well as the siding that is above the window. It's important to remember that moisture can cause wood rot and other severe structural issues and it's always best to prevent moisture infiltration from the beginning.

Sash Weights

The weights that are placed on windows (also called sashweights, or sashlines) help balance the sashes, preventing them from sliding when they are opened. Weights may need to either be replaced or untangled when they're tangled. It's also possible that counter balances have to be replaced.

Pam looks at the outside of the window first, to make sure there aren't any visible damage or rots that require to be dealt with prior to beginning the work. If there is, she'll have repair the damage prior to trying to restore the windows.

She begins by removing the parting stop and the interior sash stop from both sides of the window. To accomplish this, you'll have to cut the paint line with an utility knife on both sides of the interior sash stop and then remove it using a wooden tool. Pam says that this step is important because if you use a mallet to remove the stops, they can break or split. She suggests a small handheld woodworking tool with a narrow blade.

After the stops are removed, she's able to remove the sashes themselves. She removes the bottom sash, then the top. Pam Lubricates the sash cords before pulling them out, so that they can move with ease. When the sashes are untied she can pull the sash cord out and find the metal hooks that connect to each sash weight. They are usually worn out and need to be replaced. Then, repairing double glazing windows she takes an old sashweight out of its pocket, and screws in a new one.

She checks the weights by weighing the sash using an instrument to determine how much it weighs. Then, she replaces the weight with an alternative that is equal to the weight of the sash. She repeats this process for the other sash in order to make sure it's properly balanced. After the sashes are placed back into place She uses a level to check that they're in the right place. She also makes sure that the cords are lubricated to let them slide freely, and re-tightens the counter balance hooks.