A lot of windows require repair to ensure they open and close correctly. If the seal is broken and causes energy bills to rise or your home to feel drafty, repairing your window can save you money in the long run.
You can fix stiff hinges by using a ratchet loosen the cover of the operator or a bit of oil. DIYers can also fix damaged glass.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If a window has broken or cracked glass, it's crucial to address the problem as soon as possible. The crack may get worse when left untreated and can cause airflow issues in your home. If you're not confident in doing the repair by yourself, a professional can assist.
There are a variety of ways to fix your window, based on its severity. The simplest option is to cover the crack with clear tape. This will protect your family from being cut by glass shards, while still allowing sunlight and air to pass through. You can go a step further and use epoxy. This option is more labor intensive but can result in a more attractive end product.
The first step is to clean the area around the crack. Mix a small amount of soap with water, then dip a cotton rag in it, then carefully clean the crack to get rid of dirt or debris. Once the window is dry and the epoxy is applied, follow according to package instructions. When the epoxy has hardened using a putty blade, use it to remove any excess, and smooth the surface.
Stress cracks are the most frequent kind of crack that can be found in a window glass in a home. These usually begin near the edges of the glass and meander throughout the pane. These are typically caused by changes in temperature in your house, and they can get worse over time.
If one pane of a double-pane windows breaks then you'll need to replace the entire unit. This is due to the fact that these windows are sealed comprising two glass pieces that function as one. This is not the same as regular windows that can be replaced with a new frame.
To replace the glass pane of a double-paned window, you will need to remove the glazing points or clips that keep the window in place. Keep all the pieces you'll need to replace the broken glass pane. You'll need to scrape old putty away and then apply the new one for other types of windows.
Stained Glass
The tiny pieces of glass used in the production of stained glass windows are fragile and brittle. A rough treatment, a collision with hard objects or a sudden change in temperature can crack and break the glass.
Even if a bit of glass has been broken it can be repaired and save the expense of taking and replacing the panel. Experts in stained glass repair the damage with various methods, including releading or refoiling or soldering. They can also paint or patina or add new glass.
It can be difficult and time-consuming to replace or repair broken stained glass. It is important to hire an expert who is familiar with the various methods of repair and is able to select the most effective one for your specific project. Reversibility, strength, and visual impact of each repair technique will vary, so each one must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Re-leading is an effective method for repairing cracked leaded glass. A skilled artisan can cut a strip of soft ductile lead, called came, to the size and then gently bend it back to match the crack. After the piece is bent, it can be put in place with solder and cement is used to hold it in place. Once the cement has dried, the crack can then be cleaned, polished and sealed.
A second way to repair cracked leaded glass is by spotting the crack and then leading the glass piece again. This is a labor-intensive and expensive process, but can be effective. The damaged glass is removed, cleaned, and sanded to smooth out the surface. Then the lead knife or pincers are used to remove the lead that was previously there and clean off any oxidation or growth. Once the old lead is removed, the sanded surface the glass is wiped down and the new lead is formed to neatly adjoin the damaged area before being soldered to the damaged area.
Reinforcing bars can be added to the window to fix stained glass that is sagging. This is a less costly option. These are rebar-like supports that run along the inner side of lead and join to the frame to stop it from sagging. The bars are often hidden behind foils with decorative designs, making them unnoticeable.
Muntins and Mullions
The term "muntin" is familiar to people who are familiar with windows. These wood strips that are vertical are used to separate the panes of traditional windows with multi-panes. Typically, they are used in homes with historic architecture to maintain an authentic look and are sometimes required by city ordinances when constructing or renovating a historic district. Many modern replacement windows only make use of muntins to improve the appearance of the window, not to ensure strength and stability. Nevertheless, muntins can still become damaged and if they are broken or rotting, it's possible to replace them with new ones.
windows repair milton keynes differentiate between mullions or muntins because they all serve the same purpose. These terms are often 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 project.
A mullion is the only vertical prop that holds glass panes together in a multi-pane design. This was a necessity prior to the invention of glass manufacturing technology since larger pieces were nearly impossible to make. Modern windows do not require mullions since the frames are constructed of two glass units that are glued to each other. However, some older types of windows do have mullions to provide support, and they are often used for aesthetic reasons.
If your mullions are showing signs of age you can easily fix them by applying a small bead of silicone to both sides of the muntin, and then pressing it back into the frame. If you are replacing a horizontal muntin, you may have to employ a coping saw to cut off the old piece and then shape the end by using a file so that it fits into the mortise of the other horizontal muntin. If you'd like to blend in, purchase a new muntin slightly different from the original.
Certain IGUs contain both muntins (real mullions) and muntins (replicas) which are made in the unit only for effect. If you have a problem with these elements, it is likely time to replace your window.
Frame
If you want to sand the frame, use an sanding pad that has a fine grit. This will remove any old paint or stains. Clean it up with a dry cloth, paying special attention to the corners of the mitered joints. If these have popped open a bit, try to close them with a gentle touch, and then apply some wood glue to secure them back together. You can also make use of vinegar to dissolve glue in these areas, but you might need to test it on a corner or two before putting it all over.
If the corners aren't tight enough and pose a problem you may be able to disassemble the entire frame to get at them, and follow the steps 3 through 8 to solve the issue. However, if the gap isn't too significant and is only on one side, you might be able to pull the joint slightly without disassembling it.
If the corners have shattered completely apart, you'll require needle-nose pliers and a flat surface, a small clamp, and wood glue. If only the bottom and top corners are broken you can hammer a finishing nails (these are nails that are thin and the same size as a head) into the corner to help hold it firmly once the glue has dried. Be careful not to place the nails too near the corner, as you could weaken it. You can reinforce the corner with carpenter's glue and wood putty or a hammer.
