How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time
Cracks in your windows can be caused by a bad storm, a lawnmowers throwing rocks or a collision. You may be able to get by with some temporary fixes until an Mr. Handyman from Anne Arundel and North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.
A clear masking tape or packing tape can prevent superficial cracks, such a spider cracks, from escalating. Make sure you tape both sides of the crack.
Frames that are Rotted
Wood rot around windows isn't just unsightly and a danger to safety and a potential safety hazard, it also decreases the insulation value of your home. Frames that are rotten permit cold air to enter your home, and warm air to escape, costing you money. The wood that is rotting allows moisture into the frame and causes it to weaken. This reduces the frame's capacity to keep temperatures or cool your home.
In addition, a weakened window frame leaves your home vulnerable to intruders who can easily break through the window and gain access to the interior of your home. Rebuilding and repairing your wooden windows will prevent this kind of damage, and make your home more secure and appealing.
If your window sills and frames start to get rotten, it's crucial to repair them immediately before the issue gets worse. Often, the first indication of rot is visible cracks in your paint, or spots of discoloration on the wood. The wood may feel soft or mold may develop on the inside of the window frames.
If you experience any of these issues you must contact a professional to inspect the damage and fix it immediately. 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 is rotting away, it is impossible to fix.
Fortunately, window frames that are rotting and sills can be repaired in 95% of the cases where the rot is caught early. Our technicians are highly skilled and can repair the rotting parts of the frame, giving you windows that look like new.
Muntins and Mullions
The mullions and muntins that divide your window panes aren't only decorative they also serve to support the glass. They are a typical part of windows, and they can be damaged or even broken. They can be real or faux, when your mullions and muntins get cracked, chipped, or damaged, it is crucial to get them repaired since they can be a major hindrance to the look of your home.
Muntins & Mullions
While they look similar and are often mistaken for each other (perhaps the alliteration can help), mullions and muntins are two distinct components of a window. To avoid confusion and miscommunication, a reputable window installation company will explain the differences between these two components.
Mullions or dividers are typical in multi-paned windows. In the past they were used as an aid in separating large sheets. They are now used as an ornamental element and as a design for 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 the window then he'll probably smash the mullion in order to gain access to your home.
Putty can be used to repair damaged mullions or muntins. Window repair experts clean the surface and apply new putty and then secure them back in place. It's a relatively simple repair for windows that should not interfere with the functioning of your windows.
If your windows are leaking or aren't closing and opening properly, there may be issues with the sashes or frames. In some instances, the sashes get stuck in their frames due to broken springs or cords. The sashes may also be too heavy, or they may have slipped off the track. A sash that is hard to lower or raise can be corrected by balancing the springs and weights.
If you have an older window that has one glass pane the wood strips that keep the glass in place are called muntins or mullions. If they start to rot, you will need to replace them. Window repair professionals will replace damaged muntins and mullions, without affecting the function of your windows.
The sill of old windows may not slope enough to allow drainage of water. It is important to examine the sill and make sure that it slopes downwards, away from the home. If it isn't the drip cap can easily be put in place. This simple step can decrease the likelihood of moisture infiltration.
Sashes
If your window sashes are not functioning properly, it's vital to examine the situation. The weather and time can have a direct impact on wooden window sashes. If they don't open properly, air or water can quickly get into the room. Aluminum sashes may be ineffective due to similar events. The dampness and sweating around the windows are common symptoms of these problems.
The most common cause of problems with sash is simply wear and tear. They are often fixed by sanding, filling, and painting over. More serious issues may require the disassembly. This is best left to window repair professionals.
The sash is disassembled by taking the locking pins off the top of the window frame. Then, taking off the sash cords. Then, take out the parting beads (vertical strips of wood that are holding the upper sash) and pull out the upper sash. When the sash is completely free, you can remove the hardware for the sash and store it in a safe place.
The mortise and tenon joints of the sash are held by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs with a pin punch and hammer. The pegs are usually larger on one side than on the other. Drive out the pegs on the smaller end to avoid damaging the sash.
Once the sash is completely removed, you will be able to observe the pockets that are holding the glass panes. These pockets are usually secured by screws or pins and must be gently pulled out with a sharp knife.
Once pockets are removed, the sash can be bedded in new glazing compound. The person who is beding the sash by holding it up 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 is assembled. The sash is then treated using a homemade wood preservative made of one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiled linseed oils. This will decrease the amount of draughts and also improve the capability of the window to be shut and opened.
Caps for drip Caps
Drip caps are simple, almost invisible caps that divert rainwater away from window frames during an event of storm. They are usually made of wood, although they may also be created out of brick or a different type of masonry. Some drip caps are designed to look attractive some are more utilitarian in appearance. Regardless of design, a good quality drip cap must be capable of enduring the elements and keep water from getting behind the casings, which can cause wood decay.
A drip cap can be easily installed by a homeowner using the use of a few tools and some basic knowledge. However most homeowners prefer to have an expert contractor install their drip cap. A drip cap should be secured to the sheathing around the window, at least one inch away from the trim board and it should slope away from the window. It is essential to use galvanized nails, and to apply a high-quality exterior sealant of the highest quality to the underside of the drip cap and the sheathing.
Homeowners can create drip caps at home by using a sheet aluminum with a vice, a few tools. To do this the homeowner should first remove or pry off a row of siding above the window and then cut the drip cap to a length that is slightly larger than the window. Once the drip cap has been cut, it is slipped under the flashing tape and secured to the sheathing using galvanized nails. It is important that the cap is nailed at both ends, and is attached to the sheathing in a way that it won't budge regardless of the weight of the sheathing and siding connected.