Windows Repair Tips From The Top In The Business

How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

Cracks in your windows can result from a violent storm, a lawnmowers throwing rocks or a collision. You might be able to get by with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman from Anne Arundel & North PG professional comes to fix the damage.

A strip of clear packing tape or masking tape can keep superficial cracks, like spider cracks, from getting worse. Tape both sides of the crack.

Frames that are rotten

Wood rot around your windows is not only unsightly, but it can be a danger to your safety. It can also lower the insulation value of a home. Rotted frames allow cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape, which costs you money. This is because the decaying wood allows moisture enter and weaken the interior frame, reducing its ability to keep cool or warm air inside your home.

A weak window frame can also make your home vulnerable to burglars who are in a position to easily break the window and gain access to your home's interior. This type of damage can be prevented by repairing and re-building your wooden windows. Your home will look more attractive and safe.

If your window frames and sills get rotten, it's crucial to fix them as soon as possible before the issue gets worse. The first indication of rot is visible cracks in your paint, or spots of discoloration on the wood. The wood might feel soft or mold may form on the inside of window frames.


If you experience any of these signs it is essential to contact a professional to inspect the damage and repair it as soon as you can. Wood rot spreads rapidly and the earlier it is dealt with, the cheaper and easier it will be to fix. If you put off addressing it until all the wood has turned to rot and is unaffordable to repair.

In 95% of the cases frames and sills that are rotting are repairable if the rot is detected early enough. Our skilled and experienced technicians can repair the damaged areas of the frame, resulting in windows that look as 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. They are a typical part of windows, and they can be damaged or broken. It doesn't matter if they are fake, real or both, when your mullions or muntins become chipped, cracked, or scratched, it's essential to fix them. They can make your home appear less attractive.

Muntins & Mullions

Although they might appear similar, and are often confused (perhaps the alliteration helps), mullions & muntins are two distinct components of a window. To avoid confusion and miscommunication, a reputable window installation company will explain the distinctions between these two components.

Mullions, also known as the glass panes' dividers, are a common feature in traditional multi-pane windows. Historically, they were used to support and separate large sheets of glass. They are now used as an element of decoration and design for your home.

While mullions aren't the most secure part of your window, they do provide some security. If a burglar damages one of your window panes they'll likely also break the mullion to gain entry into your home.

Muntins and mullions that are damaged can be repaired using putty. Window repair specialists clean the surface and apply new putty before re-securing them. This is a simple window repair that shouldn't affect the window's functionality.

There could be problems with the frames or sashes if the windows leak or fail to close and open properly. Some sashes get stuck in frames due to broken springs or cords. The sashes might also be too heavy, or they could have come off the track. Rebalancing springs and weights can help a sash that is hard to lower or raise.

The wood strips that hold a single pane of glass in the window of an older one are referred to as muntins or mullions. If they start to rot they will require you to rebuild them. Window repair experts can replace the rotted muntins or mullions and they won't interfere with the purpose of your windows.

The sills of older windows may not slope enough to allow for drainage of water. Check the sill to make sure that it slopes away from the house. If it doesn't then a new drip cap can be installed. It's a simple procedure that will drastically reduce the chances of moisture infiltration.

Sashes

When window sashes stop functioning properly, it's time for an in-depth look at the situation. The weather and time can affect wooden window sashes. When they do not open properly, water or air can easily enter the room. Aluminum sashes may be ineffective due to similar incidents. The dampness and sweating around windows are typical signs of these issues.

The most common cause for issues with sash is simple wear and tear. They can usually be fixed by sanding, filling, and repainting. More serious issues will require the removal of the window. This is a job best left to a professional window repair company.

The sash is removed by first by removing the locking pins as well as the sash cords from the window frame. Next, remove the parting beads (vertical strips of wood that are holding the upper sash) and then pull out the upper sash. Once the sash has been removed, you can take it off and store the hardware for the sash.

The mortise and tenon joints are held together by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs using pin punches and hammers. Most of the time, one side of the peg is more than the other, and should be driven out from the smaller end to avoid damaging the sash.

You can see the pockets where the glass panes are held after the sash has been completely disassembled. The pockets are usually screwed or pinned into place. They must be gently smashed using a sharp blade.

Once pockets are removed, the sash can be re-bedded in a new glazing compound. The person who is beding the sash by holding it up against a homemade easel and then working the compound into the groove or rabbet around the pane's opening. The sash needs to dry for a minimum of two days before it is put back together. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preserver made from a mixture of mineral spirits and boiled linseed oils. This will reduce the amount draughts, and improve the ability of the window to be shut and opened.

Drip Caps

Drip caps are basic, almost invisible caps that draw water away from windows during a rainstorm. They are typically made of wood but can also be made from bricks or other masonry materials. Some drip caps sport an attractive appearance, while others are more utilitarian. No matter what the style, a high-quality drip cap must be capable of enduring the elements and keep water from leaking behind the casings, which can cause wood rot.

With a few basic tools, and some know-how, a drip cap can be easily installed by a home owner. However most homeowners prefer to have a professional 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. Use galvanized nails and apply an exterior grade, high-quality sealant on the bottom of the drip cap and sheathing.

Drip caps can be purchased ready-made from a variety of home improvement stores and window stores, or a homeowner can make them at home with a sheet of aluminum along with a vice and basic tools. To make them the homeowner should first take off or cut a row of siding above the window and then cut the drip cap to a length that is slightly wider than the window. After the drip cap is cut, it's slipped under the tape, and then nailed with galvanized nails to the sheathing. It is important that the cap is nailed at both ends, and is nailed to the sheathing in a way that it doesn't move, even with the weight of the sheathing and siding that is attached.

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Pub: 05 Feb 2024 12:24 UTC
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