Many windows require repair to ensure that they open and shut correctly. Repairing your window can save you money if the seal is broken, which causes your energy bills to rise or your home to feel cold.
Stiff hinges can often be repaired by a small amount of oil or the ratchet tool to loosen the cover for the operator. DIYers can also fix damaged glass.
Broken or cracked glass
If a window has broken or cracked glass, it's important to address the problem as soon as possible. If you ignore the crack, it can become worse and cause airflow issues in your house. A professional can assist you if you are not confident in your ability to fix the crack by yourself.
There are several ways to fix your window depending on its severity. The easiest option is to cover the crack with clear tape. This will prevent your family from getting cut by glass shards while allowing air and sunlight to pass through the room. You can take it one step further and use epoxy. This is more labor-intensive, but can result in a more attractive end product.
First, you'll need to clean around the crack. Dip a cotton rag in a mixture of soap and water and gently scrub the area that has cracked. After the window has dried, apply the epoxy as per the instructions on the package. After the epoxy has set then use a putty knife to scrape off any excess and sand it to smooth the surface.
The most popular type is a stress crack. The cracks typically begin at the edges of your window glass and extend throughout the pane. They're usually the result of temperature changes in your home and can become worse with time.
For double-pane windows you'll need to replace the entire window if one pane breaks. These windows are made of two pieces that work together as one unit. This is distinct from normal windows, which are replaced with a brand new window frame.
To replace a pane of glass in a double-pane window you'll need to remove the glazing clips or points that hold the window in place. If you're replacing a damaged pane, be sure to keep track of these pieces to be able to replace them in the future. You'll need to scrape the old putty away and then reapply the new pane for other types of windows.
Stained Glass
The tiny pieces of glass used in the production of stained glass windows are fragile and brittle. Glass can be cracked and broken by rough treatment, a collision with hard objects or an abrupt temperature change.
The positive side is that even if the piece of glass is broken, it can be repairable and can be saved from the high cost of panel removal and replacement. Experts in stained glass can fix the damage using a variety of techniques such as refoiling or releading or soldering. They can also paint or patina or add new glass.
Repairing or replacing damaged stained glass can be a challenge and time consuming. It is crucial to work with an experienced professional who is familiar with the various repair techniques that are available and can select the most appropriate one for your specific task. Reversibility, strength, and visual effects of each repair method will differ, so each one should be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Re-leading is among the most common ways to repair cracked glass. A skilled artisan can cut a strip of soft ductile lead, called came, to size and then bend it to fit the crack. Once the piece has been bent, it is then soldered into place and then cement is used to keep it in its place. Once the new cement is dry the crack can be cleaned, polished and sealed.
Another method to repair broken leaded glass is noting the crack, and then replacing the glass. This is a labor-intensive and costly process, but it is a viable option. The broken piece of glass is removed, cleaned and sanded down to smooth the surface. Then a lead knife or pincers are used to cut off the lead and wash off any oxidation or growth. After the lead is removed, the glass surface that was sanded is cleaned and the new lead is welded into the place.
An easier option for repairing sagging stained glass is to include reinforcing bars to the window. These are rebar like supports that run along the interior side of the lead and connect to the frame to help stop the glass from sliding. The bars are often hidden behind decorative foiling, making them unnoticeable.
Muntins or Mullions
People who are familiar with windows may be familiar with the term "muntin." These vertical wood strips separate window panes in traditional multi-pane windows. Typically, they are employed in older homes to maintain an authentic look and are often required by city ordinances when building or renovating in a historic district. Many modern replacement windows only use muntins to enhance the aesthetics of the window rather than for durability and strength. Nevertheless, muntins can still get damaged and if they're broken or rotting, it's possible to replace them with new ones.
A lot of window manufacturers today don't distinguish between muntins or mullions because they both have the same function. They are frequently interchangeable however, if you're replacing your windows it is important to understand the differences so that you and your contractor can discuss the specifics of the work.
A mullion is a horizontal support that holds multiple panes of tempered glass. This was a necessity prior to the advent of glass manufacturing technology as larger pieces were almost impossible to produce. The frames of modern windows are constructed from two glass pieces that are joined together. Mullions are used in some older windows to give support, and they're also often used for aesthetic reasons.
If your mullions are showing signs of aging, you can easily repair them by applying a tiny bead of silicone to both sides of the muntin and then pressing it back into the frame. If you're replacing a horizontal piece, you may need to use a copingsaw remove the old muntin. Then, shape the end of the new muntin with the aid of a file. In other cases, you can purchase a muntin that is slightly different from the original to blend in perfectly.
Some IGUs include muntins (real mullions) and muntins (replicas) which are made in the unit solely for the purpose of. If you are having issues with these components it's likely that it's time to replace your window.
Frame
You don't want to alter the appearance of your frame by painting it, but if you do need to touch it up, use a sanding sponge and a fine grit to remove any old paint and stains. Clean it up with a dry cloth, paying special attention to the corners of the mitered joints. Use wood glue to re-glue them in the event that they have opened up. You can also use vinegar to dissolve old glue in these areas, however you may need to test it on one or two corners before applying it all over.
If the loose corners are a problem you may be able to disassemble the frame in order to examine them, and follow the steps 3 through 8 to solve the issue. If the separation is very slight and only on one side, you may be able to pull the joint open a little without removing it.
If the corners are utterly broken you'll need a small clamp, wood glue, and needle-nosed pliers. If only the bottom and top corners are damaged you can hammer a finishing nails (these are thin nails with the same size as a head) into the corner to to hold it in place once the glue has dried. It is important not to place the nails too close to the corner or they could cause damage to the corner. milton keynes window repair can reinforce the corner using carpenter's adhesive and wood putty or a hammer.
