10 Windows Repair Tricks All Pros Recommend

How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

Cracks in your windows could be caused by a bad storm, a lawnmowers throwing rocks or an accident. You could get by with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman from Anne Arundel & North PG professional comes to fix the damage.

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

Rotted Frames

Wood rot around your windows isn't just ugly however, it could be a security risk. It can also lower the insulation value of a home. The frames that are rotten allow cold air to enter your home, and warm air to escape, costing you money. The rotting wood allows moisture into the frame and causes it to deteriorate. This reduces the frame's capacity to keep heat or cool in your home.

A weak window frame can also expose your home to burglars who will be able to easily break the window and gain entry to your home's interior. This type of damage could be avoided by repairing and rebuilding your wooden windows. Your home will become more attractive and secure.

When your wooden window sills and frames get rotten, it's crucial to repair them immediately, before the problem spreads. The first sign of rot will be visible cracks or discolorations of the paint. The wood may appear soft or feel brittle, or mold could develop on the inside of window frames.

It is crucial to speak with an expert as soon as you notice any of the issues mentioned above. Wood rot spreads rapidly, so the sooner it is dealt with it is, the less it will be to fix. In reality, if you delay until the wood has completely rotten, it will be impossible to fix.

Fortunately, windows with rotting frames and sills can be repaired in 95% of cases when the rot is discovered early. Our technicians are highly skilled and are able to replace the rotting components of the frame to give windows that appear like new.

Muntins & Mullions

The mullions or muntins between your window panes function as more than simply decorative elements. They also help support the glass. They are an extremely common part of a window to be damaged or broken. Whether they are real or faux, when your mullions and muntins get cracked, chipped, or dented it is imperative to have them repaired, as they can be a major detriment to the look of your home.

Muntins & Mullions

Although they might appear like they do, and are often mistaken for one another (perhaps the alliteration is helpful) muntins, mullions and mullions are distinct window components. A reputable window installation firm will explain the distinctions between them to avoid confusion and confusion.

Mullions, also known as the glass panes' dividers, are a common feature in traditional multi-pane windows. In the past they were used as an aid in separating large sheets. They are now an attractive and stylish element that provides a timeless look to your home.

While mullions aren't the most secure part of your window, they do provide some security. If a burglar breaks the window then he'll probably smash the mullion in order to gain entry to your home.

Putty can be used to repair broken mullions or muntins. Window repair experts clean the surface and apply new putty and re-secure them in place. It's a relatively simple window repair and should not interfere with the functioning of your windows.

If your windows are leaking or not opening and closing correctly, there could be issues with the sashes or frames. Certain sashes are stuck in the frames due to broken springs or cords. The sashes might also be too heavy, or they may have fallen off the track. Rebalancing the weights and springs can make a sash hard to lower or raise.

The wood strips that hold a single sheet of glass in the window of an older one are referred to as muntins or mullions. If they begin to rot, they need to be replaced. Window repair specialists can replace the rotted muntins or mullions, and they won't interfere with the function of your windows.

One of the most frequent issues with old windows is the sill, which might not slope enough downward to allow water to drain off. It is essential to inspect the sill and ensure that it slopes downwards away from the home. If it doesn't then a drip cap could easily be installed. It's a simple procedure that can greatly reduce the chance of water infiltration.

Sashes

If your window sashes are not working correctly, it's important to examine the situation. The weather and the time can affect wooden window sashes. When they do not open properly, water or air can quickly get into the room. Aluminum sashes may become unsuitable because of similar events. The presence of damp or sweat on windows is a typical sign of these issues.

The most common cause for issues with sash is simple wear and tear. They can be addressed by sanding and filling the area, then re-painting. More serious issues will require the removal of the entire structure. This is a job best left to professional window repair companies.

The disassembly of the sash starts by taking the locking pins off the top of the window frame. Then, remove the sash cords. The next step is to remove the parting beads (vertical strips of wood 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 location.

The mortise and tenon joints in the sash are held together by wooden pegs. Remove the pegs using the hammer and pin. The pegs are often larger on one side than the other. Remove the pegs from the shorter end to avoid damaging the sash.

There are pockets where the glass panes are held after the sash is completely removed. These pockets are typically screwed or pinned into place. They must be gently smashed by a sharp knife.

The sash is then ready to be painted with new compound. The person who wrote the book is able to bed the sash with a homemade easel, holding it against the easel while working the compound into an edging or rabbet around the pane's opening. After the sash is dipped, it is allowed to dry for two days before being reassembled. The sash is then treated using a homemade wood preserver made of one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiled linseed oil. This will help reduce the amount of draughts that enter and improve the ability to close and open the window.

Caps with drip Caps

Drip caps are basic, almost invisible caps that redirect water away from windows during a rainstorm. They are usually made of wood, but can also be made from bricks or other masonry. Some drip caps are designed to be decorative, while others are more utilitarian. A good quality drip cap will be capable of defending against the elements and stop water from seeping into casings that could cause wood decay.

A drip cap can be installed by a homeowner who has the use of a few tools and a bit of knowledge. Many homeowners prefer hiring a professional to install their drip cap. The drip cap must be attached to the sheathing surrounding a window at least an inch away from trim board and it should slope away from the window. Use galvanized nails and apply an exterior grade, high-quality sealant on the underside of the sheathing and drip cap.

Homeowners can create drip caps at home with sheets of aluminum as well as a vice and a few basic tools. To do this, a homeowner 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 larger than the window. After the drip cap has been cut, it is placed under the tape and nailed with galvanized nails to the sheathing. The cap must be nailed on both ends and firmly fixed to the sheathing.