How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

A storm that is severe or a stone dropped by the lawnmowers or a mishap at home could leave your windows with cracks. You might be able to manage with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman from Anne Arundel & North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.

The use of clear masking tape or packing tape can prevent superficial cracks like spider cracks from getting more severe. Make sure you tape both sides of the crack.

Frames that are Rotted

The wood rot that surrounds your windows is not just unsightly and ugly, but it could be a danger to your safety. It can also decrease the insulation value of a house. Frames that are damaged by rot can allow cold air to enter your home, and warm air to escape, causing you to lose money. The wood that is rotting allows moisture to enter the frame and causes it to deteriorate. This affects the frame's ability to maintain heat or cool in your home.

A weak window frame leaves your home vulnerable to burglars who could easily penetrate the window to access the inside of your home. Rebuilding and repairing wooden windows will prevent this kind of damage, and make your home more secure and appealing.

It is essential to fix your wooden window frames or sills as soon as you can to prevent the issue from getting worse. Often, the first sign of rot will be visible cracks in your paint, or spots of discoloration on the wood. More advanced signs of rotting could include a softer feel to the wood, or the appearance of mold on the interior of your window frames.

It is essential to call a professional as soon as you notice any of the above problems. Wood rot is a fast-growing issue and the earlier it is dealt with more affordable and less it will be to repair. If you do not address it until the entire wood has rotted away, it is impossible to fix.

In 95% of the cases frames and sills that have rotted are repairable when the rot is discovered early enough. Our skilled and experienced technicians can repair or replace the rotting areas of the frame, leaving you with windows that look as good 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 support the glass. They are a common component of windows that could be damaged or broken. They can be fake or real, if your mullions and muntins get damaged, chipped, or dented it is imperative to have them repaired, as they can be a major hindrance to the look of your home.

Muntins & Mullions

While they look similar and are often confused for one another (perhaps the alliteration helps) muntins and mullions are two different window components. To avoid confusion and confusion, a reliable window installation company will clarify the differences between these two parts.

Mullions, also known as partitions between glass panes are a common feature in traditional multi-pane windows. In the past they were used as a support and to separate large sheets. Today, they are an ornamental and design element that gives a timeless appearance to your home.

Although mullions may not be the most durable part of your window, they do provide some security. If a burglar is able to break a window pane and breaks it, he'll likely smash the mullion in order in order to gain access to your home.

Putty can be used to fix broken mullions or muntins. Window repair specialists clean the surface and apply new putty prior to re-securing the mullions and muntins. This is a straightforward repair that won't alter the functionality of your window.

If your windows are leaky or aren't closing and opening correctly, there could be issues with the sashes, or frames. Some sashes become stuck in frames because of broken springs or cords. The sashes could also be too heavy, or they could have come off the track. Rebalancing the weights and springs can make a sash hard to lower or raise.

The wood strips that hold a single piece of glass in place on an older window are called muntins, or mullions. If these become rotting they must be rebuilt. Window repair experts will replace rotted muntins and mullions, without affecting the functionality of your windows.

One of the most common issues with old windows is the sill, which might not be sloped enough to allow water to drain off. It is important to examine the sill and ensure that it slopes downward, away from the house. If it doesn't, a new drip cap can be put in place. This simple task can reduce the possibility of water infiltration.

Sashes

If window sashes don't function correctly it's time to take an examination of the situation. The weather and the time can easily affect wooden window sashes. If they are not opened properly, water or air can enter the room quickly. Aluminum sashes could 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 sash issues is simple wear and tear. They can be addressed by sanding and filling the area, and then painting it again. However, more serious problems will require the removal of the sash. This should be left to window repair professionals.

Disassembly of the sash begins by taking the locking pins off the top of the window frame. Then, remove the sash cords. Then, remove the parting bead (vertical strips that hold the upper window repairs sash). Finally remove the upper window sash. After the sash is removed, you can take it off and store the sash hardware.

The mortise and tenon joints in the sash are held together by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs with the help of a pin punch and hammer. The pegs are usually larger on one side than the other. Drive out the pegs from the shorter end to avoid damaging the sash.

Once the sash is completely disassembled you will be able to see the pockets that support the glass panes. These pockets are often fixed by screws or pins and should be gently prised out using a sharp knife.

The sash is then ready to be glazed with new compound. The writer puts the sash in bed using an easel that is made from scrap wood, securing it against the easel while forming the compound into an edging or rabbet around the pane opening. The sash must be allowed to dry for a minimum of two days before it is put back together. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preservative that is made of one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiled linseed oils. This can to reduce the amount of draughts and improve the ability to close and open the window.

Drip Caps

Drip caps are simple, nearly invisible caps that channel rainwater away from window frames during a storm. They are typically constructed of wood, however they may also be created from brick or some other form of masonry. Some drip caps are designed to be decorative some are more utilitarian in appearance. Whatever the design, a quality drip cap ought to be strong enough to withstand the elements and keep water from seeping behind casings, where it 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 an expert to install their drip cap. The drip cap should be attached to the sheathing that surrounds windows at least an inch from the trim board, and then it should slope away from the window. Use galvanized nails, and apply a high-quality exterior grade sealant on the underside of the sheathing and drip cap.

Homeowners can create drip caps at home by using aluminum sheets, a vice, and a few simple tools. To do this the homeowner has to first remove or cut the top row of the window. Then, they can cut the drip cap to a length that is slightly larger than the width of the window. Once the drip cap has been cut, it must be placed under the flashing tape, and secured to the sheathing using galvanized nails. It is important to nail the cap at both ends, and is nailed to the sheathing in such a manner that it will not move regardless of the weight of the siding and sheathing connected.