How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time
A storm that is severe or a stone thrown by the lawnmower or a mishap at home can cause cracks in your windows. 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 packing tape or masking tape can stop superficial cracks such as spider cracks from getting worse. Tape both sides of the crack.
Rotted Frames
The wood rot that surrounds your windows is not just unsightly, but it can be a danger to your safety. It can also decrease the energy efficiency of a home. The frames that are rotten allow cold air to enter your home, and warm air to escape, which costs you money. The reason for this is that the decaying wood allows moisture enter and weaken the interior frame, reducing its ability to keep the cool or warm air in your home.
In addition, a weakened window frame can leave your home vulnerable to intruders who could easily penetrate the window to gain access to the inside of your home. This type of damage could be avoided by fixing and re-building your wooden windows. Your home will be more attractive and safe.
It's important to repair your wooden window frames or sills as soon as you can, before the problem gets worse. Typically, the first sign of rot is visible cracks in your paint, or spots of discoloration on the wood. More advanced signs of rotting will be a softer feeling to the wood, or a growth of mold on the inside of your window frames.
It is essential to call an expert when you spot any of the issues mentioned above. Wood rot is a fast-growing issue and the sooner you tackle it, the less expensive and easier it will be to repair. In reality, if we wait until the wood is completely rotted, it will be impossible to fix.
Fortunately, window frames that are rotting and sills can be fixed in 95% of the cases where the rot has been discovered early. Our experienced and skilled technicians can repair or replace the areas that are rotting on the frame, resulting in windows that look as fresh as new.
window repair near me & Mullions
The mullions and muntins that separate your window panes aren't just decorative, they also serve to help support the glass. They are an extremely common part of a window to become damaged or broken. It is not a matter of whether they are fake, real or a combination of both, when your mullions or muntins are chipped, cracked or damaged, it is important to have them fixed. They can make your home look less attractive.
Muntins & Mullions
Although they might appear similar, and are often confused (perhaps the alliteration helps), mullions & muntins are different window components. A reputable window installation company will explain the distinctions between them to avoid confusion and confusion.
Mullions, or partitions between glass panes are a typical component of traditional multi-pane windows. In the past, they were used as a support and to separate large sheets. Nowadays, they are a decorative and design element that gives a timeless look to your home.
Although mullions may not be the most durable part of your window, they offer some security. If a burglar breaks the window then he'll probably smash the mullion in order to gain access to your home.
Broken mullions and muntins can be fixed with putty. Window repair specialists clean the surface and apply new putty before resecuring them. This is a relatively easy repair for windows that should not affect the functionality of your windows.
If your windows are leaking or not opening and closing properly, there may be issues with the sashes, or frames. Certain sashes are stuck in frames due to broken cords or springs. They may also be too heavy or have been thrown off the track. A sash that is difficult to lower or raise can usually be fixed by re-balancing springs and weights.
If you have an older window with only one pane of glass the wood strips that keep the glass in place are known as muntins or mullions. If they begin to decay and become damaged, you'll need to replace them. Window repair experts will replace damaged muntins and mullions, without affecting the functionality of your windows.
The sills of old windows might not slope downward enough to allow drainage of water. It is crucial to look at the sill and make sure that it slopes downwards, away from the house. If it does not the drip cap can easily be installed. It's a simple procedure that will greatly reduce the chances of moisture infiltration.
Sashes
If your window sashes have stopped functioning properly, it's vital to look into the issue. The weather and the time can easily affect wooden window sashes. If they do not open properly, water or air can easily enter the room. Aluminum sashes may be ineffective due to similar circumstances. The dampness and sweating around windows are typical symptoms of these problems.
The most common cause for sash issues is simple wear and tear. They are often fixed by filling the sash, sanding and painting over. More serious problems will require the removal of the window. This is best left to window repair professionals.
The sash can be disassembled by first by removing the locking pins as well as the sash cords from the window frame. Then, you need to remove the parting beads (vertical strips that hold the upper window sash). Finally, pull out the upper window sash. Once the sash is free you can take it off the hardware that holds it and put it in a secure place.
The mortise and tenon joints of the sash are held by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs using the help of a pin punch and hammer. The pegs are usually larger on one side than on the other. Take the pegs from the smaller end to avoid damaging the sash.
You can see the pockets where glass panes are secured once the sash has been completely removed. The pockets are usually fixed by screws or pins. They should be gently prised using a sharp blade.
Once pockets are removed, the sash can be bedded in a new glaze compound. The person who is beding the sash by holding it against a homemade easel, and then working the compound into the groove, or rabbet, around the pane opening. After the sash is dipped, it is allowed to dry for two full days before being put back together. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preservative made by mixing one-half mineral spirits with one-half boiled linseed oils. This will help to reduce the amount of draughts that enter and improve the ability to shut and open the window.
Drip Caps
Drip caps are simple, nearly invisible caps that redirect rainwater away from window frames in the event of a storm. They are usually made of wood, although they can also be made from brick or some other type of brick. Some drip caps are designed to be decorative and others are more utilitarian. Regardless of style, a high-quality drip cap must be able to withstand the elements and keep water from getting behind the casings, which could cause wood decay.
With a few simple tools, and a bit of know-how, a drip cap can easily be installed by a homeowner. Many homeowners prefer hiring a contractor to install their drip cap. The drip cap should be affixed to the sheathing that surrounds windows at least an inch from the trim board, and then slope away from window. Use galvanized nails and apply a high-quality exterior grade sealant on the bottom of the drip cap and sheathing.
Homeowners can make drip caps at home using a sheet aluminum, a vice, and a few basic tools. To make this happen first, the homeowner needs to remove or cut a row above the window. Then, they'll be able to cut the drip-cap to a length slightly wider than the width of the window. After the drip cap is cut, it's slipped under the tape and nailed with galvanized nails onto the sheathing. It is essential to nail the cap at both ends, and is secured to the sheathing in a way that it doesn't move regardless of the weight of the sheathing and siding that is attached.