10 Healthy Windows Repair Habits

How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time
Cracks in your windows can be caused by a severe storm, a lawnmower throwing rocks or a collision. You might be able to make do with a few temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel and North PG professional can come to fix the damage.
A clear masking or packing tape can keep superficial cracks, like spider cracks, from worsening. Make sure you tape both sides of the crack.
Rotted Frames
The rot of wood around windows isn't just a visual nuisance and a risk to your safety It also lowers the insulation value of your home. The frames that are rotten can let cold air to enter your home and warm air out, causing you to lose money. The reason for this is that the rotting wood allows moisture to penetrate and degrade the inner frame, reducing its ability to keep cool or warm air inside your home.
Additionally, a weak window frame leaves your home vulnerable to intruders who could easily penetrate the window to access your home's interior. This type of damage could be avoided by repairing and re-building your wooden windows. Your home will become more attractive and safe.
It is crucial to repair your window sills or frames made of wood in the earliest time possible to prevent the issue from getting worse. The first sign of rot will be visible cracks or discolorations of the paint. The wood might feel soft or mold may form on the inside of window frames.
If you are experiencing any of these problems you must call in an expert to examine the damage and fix it as soon as you can. Wood rot spreads quickly and the earlier you address it, the less costly and easier it will be to fix. In reality, if we wait until the wood is completely rotten, it will be impossible to fix.
In 95% of the cases frames and sills that are rotting are fixable when the rot is discovered early. Our experienced and skilled technicians can replace the rotting areas of the frame, resulting in windows as fresh as new.
Muntins & Mullions
The mullions and muntins that are between the panes of your windows serve as more than just decorative elements. They also serve to support the glass. They are a common part of windows, and they can be damaged or even broken. It does not matter if they're fake, real or both, if your muntins or mullions get cracked, chipped or scratched, it's important to have them fixed. They can make your home look less attractive.
Muntins & Mullions
While they look similar and are often confused for one another (perhaps the alliteration aids), mullions and muntins are two distinct window components. A reputable window installation firm will explain the distinctions between them to avoid miscommunication and confusion.
Mullions, or dividers between glass panes, are a common component in traditional multi-pane windows. In the past they were used to provide support for the windows and also to separate large sheets. Today, they are an attractive and stylish element that can give a timeless appearance to your home.
While mullions aren't the most secure part of your window, they do provide some security. If a thief breaks one of your window panes, he or she will likely also break the mullion to gain entry into your home.
Putty can be used to repair damaged mullions and muntins. Window repair specialists clean the surface apply new putty and re-secure them in place. This is a fairly simple repair for windows that should not affect the functionality of your windows.
If your windows are leaking or not opening and closing properly, it could be due to issues with the sashes or frames. Certain sashes are stuck in the frames because of broken springs or cords. They may also be too heavy, or have been thrown off the track. Balanced springs and weights can fix a sash that's difficult to raise or lower.
The wood strips that hold a single pane of glass in the window of an older one are known as muntins, or mullions. If upvc window repair rot, you will need to rebuild them. Window repair experts can replace rotten muntins and mullions, without affecting the performance of your windows.
One of the most common problems with old windows is the sill, which might not slope enough downward to allow water to drain off. Examine the sill to confirm that it is sloping away from the house. If it does not then a drip cap could easily be installed. It's a simple task that can greatly reduce the chance of water infiltration.
Sashes
If your window sashes aren't working correctly, it's important to investigate the issue. Wooden window sashes can be easily affected by weather changes and the passage of time. When they fail to open properly, water or air can easily enter the room. Aluminum sashes may become unsuitable due to similar incidents. The dampness and sweating around the windows are common signs of these issues.
Most often, sash issues result from simple wear and tear. They are often fixed by filling, sanding and painting over. However, more serious problems will require disassembly of the sash. This is best left to window repair professionals.
Disassembly of the sash begins by removing the locking pins from the top of the window frame. Then, taking off the sash cords. Then, remove the parting beads (vertical strips holding the upper window sash). Finally remove the upper window 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 with wooden pegs. Remove the pegs using pin punches and hammers. The pegs are often larger on one side than 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 see the pockets that support the glass panes. These pockets are often secured by screws or pins and must be gently pulled out with a sharp knife.
Once the pockets are removed the sash is then able to be put in a new glazing compound. The person who is beding the sash by placing it against an easel and then working the compound into the groove or rabbet around the pane 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 decrease the amount of 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 they can also be constructed from bricks or other masonry materials. Some drip caps sport a decorative appearance, while others are more utilitarian. Regardless of design, a good quality drip cap should be capable of enduring the elements and stop water from getting behind the casings, which could cause wood rot.
With a few simple tools, and some know-how, a drip cap can be easily installed by a home owner. Many homeowners choose to hire a contractor to install their drip cap. The drip cap must be attached to the sheathing surrounding windows at least an inch away from trim board and the slope should be away from the window. Apply galvanized nails and a high-quality exterior grade sealant to the underside of both the drip cap and sheathing.
Drip caps are available preformed from most home improvement stores and window retailers homeowners can make them at home using a sheet of aluminum, a vice and some simple tools. To make this happen, the homeowner must first remove or cut the top row of the window. Then, they can cut the drip cap to a length that is a bit larger than the width of the window. After the drip cap has been cut, it is placed under the tape and secured using galvanized nails to the sheathing. It is essential that the cap be nailed at both ends, and that it is attached to the sheathing in a manner that it will not move, even with the weight of the sheathing and siding attached.