Cracks in your windows could be caused by a severe storm, lawnmowers hurling a rock or an accident. You might be able to manage with temporary fixes until a Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.
A strip of clear packing tape or masking tape can prevent superficial cracks, such as spider cracks, from escalating. Tape both sides of the crack.
Rotted Frames
The wood rot that surrounds your windows is not just unsightly however, it could be a danger to your safety. It can also decrease the insulation value of a house. The frames that are rotten can let cold air into your home and warm air out, which can cause you to lose money. The rotting wood allows moisture to enter the frame and causes it to weaken. This decreases the frame's ability to maintain heat or cool in your home.
A weak frame for your window can also expose your home to burglars who will be capable of easily breaking the window and gain access to your home's interior. Rebuilding and repairing wooden windows will prevent this type of damage, and make your home more secure and appealing.
If your window sills and frames start to get rotten, it's crucial to fix them as soon as possible prior to the problem spreading. The first indication of rot is usually visible cracks or discolorations in the paint. The more advanced signs of rotting could be a softer feeling to the wood, or a growth of mold on the inside of your window frames.
If you experience any of these signs, it is imperative to contact a professional to inspect the damage and fix it immediately. Wood rot spreads rapidly, so the sooner it is dealt with it is, the less it will cost to fix. In reality, if we do not address the issue until the wood is completely rotten, it will be impossible to repair.
In 95% of cases, rotting frames and sills can be repaired when the rot is discovered early enough. Our technicians are highly skilled and are able to repair the rotting parts of the frame to give you windows that look like new.
Muntins and Mullions
The mullions and muntins which separate your window panes aren't just decorative, they also serve to help support the glass. They are a common component of windows that could be damaged or even broken. Whether they are real or faux, when your mullions and muntins get cracked, chipped, or damaged, it is essential to have them repaired, because they could be a significant detraction to the look of your home.
Muntins Mullions
While they look alike and are often confused for one another (perhaps the alliteration helps) muntins and mullions are two different window components. To avoid confusion and miscommunication, a reputable window installation firm will explain the distinctions between these two parts.
Mullions, or partitions between glass panes are a common component in traditional multi-pane windows. In the past, they were used as a support and to separate large sheets. They are used as a decorative element and design for your home.
The mullions of your windows are not the strongest, but they do offer some security. If a burglar damages a window pane, he will probably cut the mullion to gain entry to your home.
Muntins and mullions that are damaged can be repaired with putty. Window repair experts clean the surface, apply new putty, and then secure them back in place. window repairs near me is a straightforward window repair that shouldn't affect the window's functionality.
If your windows are leaking or aren't closing and opening properly, it could be due to issues with the sashes, or frames. Certain sashes are stuck in frames because of broken cords or springs. They may be too heavy or have fallen off the track. A sash that is difficult to lower or raise can usually be fixed by re-balancing the weights and springs.
The wood strips that hold a single pane of glass in place on an older window are referred to as muntins or mullions. If they start to rot, you will need to replace them. Window repair specialists can replace rotten muntins and mullions without affecting the functionality of your windows.
One of the most common problems with windows that are old is the sill, which might not slope enough downward to allow water to drain. It is crucial to look at the sill and ensure that it slopes downward, away from the house. If it doesn't then a drip cap could easily be put in place. This simple procedure can lower the possibility of moisture infiltration.
Sashes
If your window sashes are not functioning correctly, it is important to investigate the issue. The weather and time can affect wooden window sashes. When they fail to open properly, air or water can easily enter the room. The same thing can cause aluminum sashes become ineffective. A damp or swollen appearance on windows is a typical sign of such issues.
The most common cause for problems with sash is simply wear and tear. They can be corrected by filling the area, then re-painting. However, more serious issues will require disassembly of the sash. This should be left to window repair experts.
The sash is disassembled by taking the locking pins off the top of the window frame and taking off the sash cords. Then, remove the parting bead (vertical strips holding the upper window sash). Then take out the upper window sash. Once the sash has been removed, you can remove and store the hardware of the sash.
The mortise-and-tenon joints are held together with wooden pegs. Take the pegs off using a hammer and pin punch. The pegs tend to be larger on one side than the other. Drive out the pegs from the shorter end in order to avoid damaging the sash.
When the sash has been completely dismantled, you will be able to observe the pockets that are holding the glass panes. These pockets are often pinned or screwed into place and must be gently pulled out using a sharp knife.
The sash is then ready to be glazed with a new compound. The artist beds the sash by putting it against a homemade easel and then working the compound into the groove or rabbet, around the pane opening. After the sash is dipped, it is allowed to dry for two full days before being put back together. The sash is then treated with a homemade wood preserver made of one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiled linseed oils. This can help to reduce the amount of draughts that enter and improve the ability to close and open the window.
Drip Caps
Drip caps are simple, almost invisible caps that draw water away from window frames during a rainstorm. They are usually constructed of wood, however they can also be made out of brick or a different type of brick. Some drip caps are designed to be attractive some are more utilitarian. A quality drip cap is able to resist the elements and keep water from leaking into the casings that could cause wood decay.
A drip cap can be installed by a homeowner using the use of a few tools and a little know-how. Many homeowners choose to hire a professional to install their drip cap. The drip cap must be attached to the sheathing around the window at least one inch from the trim board, and then the slope should be away from the window. Use galvanized nails, and apply a high quality exterior grade sealant on the underside of both the drip cap and sheathing.
Drip caps are available ready-made from a variety of home improvement stores and window retailers or homeowners can make them at home using an aluminum sheet along with a vice and simple tools. To make this happen, the homeowner must first remove or cut a row above the window. Then, they will be able to cut a drip-cap to a length that is slightly larger than the the window. After the drip cap is cut, it's slipped under the tape and nailed with galvanized nails to the sheathing. The cap must be secured on both ends and firmly attached to the sheathing.
