Many windows require repair to ensure that they can open and shut correctly. If the seal is damaged and is causing your energy bills to rise or your home to feel drafty, fixing your window can save money in the long in the long run.
The hinges that are stiff can be repaired by a small amount of oil or the ratchet tool to loosen the operator cover. DIYers can also repair damaged glass.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If a window has broken or cracked glass, you must address the problem as soon as you can. The crack could worsen if it's left unattended and could cause airflow problems within your home. A professional can assist you if you're not sure of your ability to repair the crack by yourself.
There are a variety of methods to repair your window depending on the severity of the crack. The easiest solution is to cover the crack with clear tape. This will protect your family members from being smashed by glass shards, but still allow air and sunlight to flow through the space. You can go one step further by using epoxy. This method is more labor intensive, but can result in a more attractive end product.
It is important to first clean around the crack. Dip a cotton rag into a solution of water and soap and then gently scrub the area that has cracked. Once the window is dry, apply the epoxy according to the instructions on the package. Once the epoxy has hardened and dried, you can make use of a putty knife scrape off any excess and smooth the surface by sanding it.
Stress cracks are the most frequent kind of crack that can be found in a home's window glass. The cracks typically begin at the edges of the glass and spread throughout the pane. They are typically caused by temperature fluctuations in your home, and they can become worse over time.
If a pane of a double-pane windows breaks, you will need to replace the whole unit. They are composed of two parts that function as a unit. This is distinct from normal windows, which are replaced by a new window frame.
To replace a pane of glass in a double-pane window you'll need to take off the glazing clips or points that keep the window in place. Keep all the pieces that you'll need to replace in damaged glass panes. You'll have to scrape the old putty off and then apply the new one for windows of different types.
Stained Glass
The tiny pieces of glass used to create stained glass windows are brittle and fragile. Rough treatment, impact with hard objects or a sudden shift in temperature can cause cracks and break the glass.
Even if a bit of glass is broken it can be repaired, and avoid the expense of removing and replacing the panel. Stained glass experts can use different techniques to repair the damage such as re-leading or re-foiling, painting or platina and putting in new glass.
It can be a challenge and time-consuming to repair or replace broken stained glass. It is important to use a skilled professional who understands the various repair methods that are available and who can pick the best one for your specific task. The reversibility, strength and visual impact of each repair technique will differ, so each one should be assessed on a case by case basis.
Re-leading is a popular method of repairing cracked lead glass. A skilled artisan will carefully bend a piece of soft ductile lead, known as came back into a shape to match the crack. After the piece is bent it is then put in place with solder and cement is used to hold it in place. After the cement has dried, the crack can then be polished, cleaned and sealed.
Another method to repair broken leaded glass is noting the crack, and then re-leading the piece of glass. This is a more labor intensive and costly process, but it can be successful. First, the broken piece of glass is removed, cleaned and sanded down to smooth the surface. Then a lead knife or pincers are used to remove the old lead and clean away any oxidation or mold growth. After the lead is removed the sanded surface of the glass is cleaned and then the new lead is shaped to be a perfect fit with the damaged area before being soldered to the damaged area.
Reinforcing bars are a good addition to the window in order to repair stained glass that has become sagging. This is a cheaper option. They are rebar-like support structures that run along the inner part of the lead and connect to the frame to stop it from sagging. The bars are often able to be hidden behind the decorative foiling making them invisible.
Muntins or Mullions
The term "muntin" is a common term used by people who are familiar with windows. These wood strips in vertical form are used to separate the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Typically, they're used in historic homes to maintain an authentic look and are sometimes required by city ordinances for building or renovating in a historical district. However, most modern replacement windows use muntins solely for aesthetic reasons rather than to add strength and stability to the sash. Muntins are still susceptible to deterioration and should be replaced if damaged or decayed.
Many window companies today don't even make the distinction between mullions and muntins because they both serve the same purpose. The terms are often used interchangeably but when you're replacing windows, you must know the difference between them so you and your contractor are on the same team when discussing the details of your project.
A mullion is a horizontal support that holds several panes of tempered glass. This was a necessity prior to the introduction of glass manufacturing technology because larger pieces were nearly impossible to make. The frames of modern windows are constructed from two glass pieces that are glued together. window repair near me are used in some older windows to provide support and are also employed for aesthetic reasons.
If your mullions show signs of aging you can easily fix them by applying a tiny bead of silicone to both sides of the muntin and then pressing it back into the frame. If you are replacing a horizontal piece you might need to use a copingsaw to remove the old muntin. Then, shape the end of the new one using the help of a file. If you want to blend in, you can purchase a new muntin slightly different from the original.
Certain IGUs include real muntins as well as mullions that are built into the unit to provide effect only. If you're experiencing issues with these components, then it's time to replace your window.
Frame
If you have to sand the frame, use a sanding pad with a fine grit. This will get rid of any stains or paint that have accumulated. Use a dry rag to clean it up. Pay special attention to the corners around the mitered joints. If they've opened a little, try to close them with a gentle touch, and then apply wood glue to keep them together again. You can also make use of vinegar to dissolve glue in these areas, but you may need to test it on a corner or two before applying it to the entire area.
If the corners are loose and a problem it is possible to disassemble the whole frame to examine them, and follow the steps 3 to 8 to fix it. However, if the separation is very slight and only on one side, you may be able to wiggle the joint a bit without disassembling it.
If the corners have shattered completely apart, you will need needle-nose pliers and a flat surface, a small clamp and wood glue. If only the top or bottom corners have split You can usually use finishing nails (those are nails that are thin and are similar in size to the head) into the corner of the frame to keep it securely in place once the glue has dried. You should not place the nails too close to the corner, or they could cause damage to the corner. You can strengthen the corner using carpenter's adhesive and a hammer or wood putty.
