How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time
A severe storm or a stone dropped by the lawnmowers or an accident at home could cause your windows to crack. You might be able to manage with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel & North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.
A strip of clear masking or packing tape will keep superficial cracks, such a spider cracks, from escalating. Be sure to tape both sides of the crack.
Frames that are Rotted
The wood rot that surrounds your windows is not just unsightly however, it could also be a safety hazard. It can also decrease the energy efficiency of a home. The frames that are rotten can let cold air in your home, and warm air out, which can cause you to lose money. The reason for this is that the rotting wood allows moisture to penetrate and deteriorate the inner frame, decreasing its capacity to hold cool or warm air inside your home.
A weak window frame can also make your home vulnerable to burglars who will be able to easily break the window and gain access to your home's interior. This type of damage could be prevented by repairing and re-building your wooden windows. Your home will look more attractive and safe.
When your wooden window frames and sills are rotten, it's essential to have them repaired immediately prior to the problem spreading. The first sign of rot is visible cracks in your paint or spots of discoloration on the wood. The wood might feel soft or mold may build up on the inside of window frames.
It is important to contact an expert immediately if you notice any of the issues mentioned above. Wood rot can spread quickly, so the sooner it is dealt with more affordable and less it will be to repair. In fact, if you do not address the issue until the wood is completely rotted, it will be impossible to repair.
In 95% of cases, rotting frames and sills are fixable when the rot is discovered early. Our technicians are highly skilled and can replace the rotting components of the frame, giving windows that appear like new.
Muntins & Mullions
The mullions or muntins between the panes of your windows serve as more than just decorative elements. They also support the glass. They are a typical component of windows that could be damaged or even broken. It doesn't matter if they are real, faux or both, but when your mullions or muntins are chipped, cracked or damaged, it is essential to fix them. They can make your home look less attractive.
Muntins & Mullions
Although they look similar, and are often mistaken for one another (perhaps the alliteration helps), mullions & muntins are different window components. To avoid confusion and miscommunication, a reputable window installation firm will explain the differences between these two components.
Mullions, or the glass panes' dividers, are a common feature in traditional multi-pane windows. In the past, they were used to support and divide large sheets of glass. They are now a decorative and design element that can give an elegant look to your home.
Although mullions aren't the strongest part of your window, they provide some security. If a burglar breaks the window pane then he'll probably break the mullion to gain entry to your home.
Putty can be used to repair damaged mullions and muntins. Window repair experts clean the surface and apply new putty before resecuring the mullions and muntins. This is an easy repair to your window that won't impact the functionality of your window.
There could be a problem with the frame or sashes if your windows leak or do not shut and open correctly. In certain instances, the sashes may be stuck in their frames due to broken cords or springs. The sashes might also be too heavy, or they could have come off the track. A sash that is hard to raise or lower is usually fixed by re-balancing the springs and weights.
The wood strips that hold a single pane of glass in position on a window that is older are known as muntins, or mullions. If they rot they will require you to rebuild them. Window repair specialists can replace the rotted muntins or mullions and they won't affect the purpose of your windows.
One of the most frequent issues with old windows is the sill, which might not slope downward enough to allow water to drain off. Examine the sill to ensure that it slopes away from the home. If it doesn't then a drip cap could easily be put in place. It's a simple task that will greatly minimize the possibility of water infiltration.
Sashes
If window sashes aren't functioning correctly it's time to take an in-depth look at the situation. Wooden window sashes can be easily affected by weather conditions and the passage of time. If they are not opened properly, air or water can easily enter the room. Aluminum sashes may become unsuitable because of similar incidents. A dampness or shivering around windows are typical indicators of such problems.
Most of the time, sash issues result from simple wear and tear. They can often be corrected by sanding, filling, and painting over. However, more serious problems may require the dismantling of the sash. This task should be left to a professional window repair company.
The disassembly of the sash starts by removing the locking pins from the top of the window frame. Then, 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. Once the sash is free you can take it off the sash hardware and store it in a secure place.
The mortise-and tenon joints are held together by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs with pin punch and hammer. The pegs are often larger on one side than the other. Take the pegs from the shorter end in order to avoid damaging the sash.
When the sash has been completely dismantled, you'll be able to see the pockets that hold the glass panes. These pockets are usually fixed by screws or pins and should be gently prised out using a sharp knife.
The sash is now ready to be painted with a new compound. The author beds the sash by placing it against a homemade easel and 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 can be reassembled. The sash is then treated using a homemade wood preservative that is made by mixing one-half mineral spirits with one-half boiled linseed oil. This can help reduce the amount of draughts and improve the ability to close and open the window.
Caps for drip Caps
Drip caps are simple, almost invisible caps that redirect rainwater away from window frames in the event of a storm. They are usually constructed from wood, but they can also be made from brick or another type of brick. Some drip caps are designed to be decorative and others are more utilitarian in appearance. No matter what the style, a high-quality drip cap should be able to withstand the elements and prevent water from seeping behind casings, which could cause wood decay.
With a few simple tools, and a bit of knowledge, a drip-cap can easily be installed by a home owner. However, many homeowners prefer having an expert contractor 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. It is essential to use galvanized nails and to apply a premium exterior sealant of the highest quality to the underside of the drip cap and the sheathing.
Drip caps can be bought ready-made from a variety of home improvement stores and window stores, or a homeowner can make them at home using a sheet of aluminum, a vice and some simple tools. To make them homeowners must first pry up or remove the siding that is above the window and then cut a drip cap to a length that is slightly wider than the window. After the drip cap has been cut, it's slipped under the tape, and then nailed with galvanized nails onto the sheathing. It is crucial to nail the cap at both ends, and that it is nailed to the sheathing in such a manner that it will not move, even with the weight of the sheathing and siding connected.