How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

A severe storm or a stone thrown by the lawnmower or an accident at home could leave your windows with cracks. You may be able to manage with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman from Anne Arundel and North PG professional can come to fix the damage.

The use of clear packing tape or masking tape can stop superficial cracks like spider cracks from getting worse. Tape both sides of the crack.

Frames that are Rotted

The rot on windows' wood isn't just a visual nuisance and a potential safety hazard, it also reduces the insulation value of your home. Rotted frames can allow cold air in your home, and warm air out, causing you to lose money. The wood that is rotting allows moisture to enter the frame and causes it to degrade. This decreases the frame's ability to maintain temperatures or cool your home.

In addition, a weakened window frame will leave your home vulnerable to intruders who can easily break through the window to gain access to your home's interior. This type of damage can be avoided by repairing and rebuilding your wooden windows. Your home will look more attractive and secure.

It's important to repair your wooden window frames or sills in the earliest time possible to prevent the issue from getting worse. Often, the first sign of rot is visible cracks in your paint, or spots of discoloration on the wood. The wood may appear soft or feel brittle, or mold could form on the inside of window frames.

It is crucial to speak with a professional as soon as you notice any of the above issues. Wood rot is a fast-growing issue, so the sooner you deal with it, the less costly and simpler it will be to repair. If you do not address it until the entire wood has turned to rot and is unaffordable to repair.

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

Muntins and Mullions

The mullions or muntins between your window panes function as more than just decorative elements. They also support the glass. Therefore, they are a very common component of a window to become damaged or broken. It does not matter if they're real, faux or both, but If your mullions, muntins, or mullions become chipped, cracked, or scratched, it's important to have them fixed. They can make your home appear less appealing.

Muntins & Mullions

Although they may look similar, and often confused (perhaps the alliteration helps), mullions & muntins are different window components. To avoid confusion and miscommunication, a reputable window installation company will clarify the distinctions between these two components.

Mullions, or partitions between glass panes are a common feature in traditional multi-pane windows. In the past, they were utilized to support and divide large sheets of glass. They are an element of decoration and design in your home.

The mullions of your windows aren't the strongest part however they can provide some security. If a burglar breaks one of your window panes, they'll probably break the mullion as well to get into your home.

Muntins and mullions that are damaged can be fixed with putty. Window repair experts clean the surface, apply new putty, and re-secure them in place. This is a fairly simple window repair and should not affect the functionality of your windows.

If your windows are leaky or not opening and closing properly, it could be due to issues with the sashes, or frames. In certain cases, the sashes are stuck in their frames due to broken springs or cords. They could also be too heavy, or have fallen off the track. Rebalancing springs and weights can help a sash that is difficult to raise or lower.

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 rot, you will need to replace them. Window repair experts can replace the rotted muntins or mullions, and they won't affect the function of your windows.

The sill of old windows may not slope down enough to allow water drainage. Examine the sill to confirm that it slopes away from the house. If it isn't, a new drip cap can be installed. It's an easy task that will greatly reduce the chance of water infiltration.

Sashes

If window sashes don't function correctly it's time to take an in-depth look at the situation. The weather and time can affect wooden window sashes. If they are not opened properly, water or air can easily enter the room. Aluminum sashes could become unsuitable due to similar circumstances. A dampness or shivering around the windows are common indicators of such problems.

Most often, sash issues are the result of simple wear and tear. They can be corrected by sanding and filling the area, and then painting it again. However, more serious problems will require disassembly of the sash. This is a task best left to professional window repair companies.

The sash is removed by first taking the locking pins off and the sash cords from the window frame. Then, remove the parting beads (vertical strips holding the upper window sash). Finally remove the upper window sash. After the sash is removed, it is possible to remove and store the sash hardware.

The mortise-and-tenon joints are joined by wooden pegs. Take the pegs off using a pin punch and hammer. The majority of the time one side of a peg is larger than the other and should be removed from the smaller end to avoid causing damage to the sash.

When the sash has been completely disassembled you will be able to observe the pockets that are holding the glass panes. These pockets are typically secured by a screw or pin. They should be gently prised with a sharp blade.

After the pockets have been removed, the sash can be re-bedded in new glazing compound. The author beds the sash by placing it up against a homemade easel and then working the compound into the groove, or rabbet, around the pane opening. The sash should be allowed to dry for at least two days before it is reassembled. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preservative made from one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiled linseed oils. This reduces the amount of draughts and also improve the capacity of the window to be shut and opened.

Caps for drip Caps

Drip caps are simple, almost invisible caps that channel rainwater away from window frames in a storm. They are typically made from wood, but they can also be made from bricks or other masonry. Some drip caps are designed with an attractive appearance, while others are more practical. A high-quality drip cap will be able to resist the elements, and prevent water from leaking into the casings, which could cause wood rot.

With just a few tools and a little know-how, a drip cap can easily be installed by a homeowner. Many homeowners prefer to hire a professional to install their drip cap. The drip cap should be attached to the sheathing around windows at least an inch from the trim board, and then the slope should be away from the window. Use galvanized nails and apply a high-quality exterior grade sealant to the underside of the drip cap and sheathing.

Homeowners can make drip caps at home using a sheet aluminum as well as a vice and a few simple tools. To do this the homeowner should first pry up or remove a row of siding above the window and then cut a drip cap to a length slightly wider than the window. After the drip cap has been cut, it is slipped under the tape and nailed with galvanized nails to the sheathing. It is crucial that the cap is nailed at both ends, and is attached to the sheathing in such a manner that it will not move, even with the weight of the sheathing and siding connected.