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 could save you money in the long in the long run.
Stiff hinges are often fixed with a little oil or an ratchet tool that loosens the cover of the operator. Repairing a damaged window is also feasible for a DIYer.
Broken or cracked glass
It's important to fix the issue as fast as possible if windows are cracked or has glass that is broken. If resources ignore the crack, it could become worse and create airflow issues in your house. If you're not confident working on the fix yourself, a professional can assist.
There are several ways to repair your window, based on its severity. The most effective option is to cover the crack with clear tape. This will protect your family from being damaged by glass shards but still allowing sunlight and air to pass through. You can take it one step further by using 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 bit of soap with water and dip a cotton rag into it. Next, you need to carefully clean the cracked area to remove dirt or debris. After the window has dried then apply the epoxy according to package instructions. When the epoxy has cured it is possible to make use of a putty knife scrape away any excess and smooth the surface by sanding it.
The most common type is a stress crack. They typically begin at the edge of the glass and extend throughout the pane. They are often a result of temperature changes in your home, and can get worse over time.
For double-pane windows you'll need to replace the entire window if one pane breaks. This is because these windows are a sealed unit that consists of two glass pieces that work as one piece. This is different from regular windows, which are replaced with a new window frame.
To replace a glass pane in a double-pane windows, you'll need to take off the glazing clips or points that secure the window. If you're replacing a broken pane, make sure you keep track of these pieces so that you can replace them in the future. You'll need to scrape the old putty off, and then reapply the new pane for different kinds 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 could cause cracks and break the glass.
The good news is that even when the glass piece is broken, it may be repairable and can be free from the expense of replacement and removal of the panel. Experts in stained glass repair the damage by employing different methods that include refoiling, releading or soldering. They can also paint or patina the glass or add new glass.
Replacing or repairing cracked stained glass can be challenging and time-consuming. It is important to use a professional with experience who is knowledgeable of the various repair methods that are available and can choose the best one for the specific project. The reversibility, strength and visual effect of each repair technique will vary, so each one must be assessed on a case by case basis.
Re-leading is one of the most popular ways to repair cracked glass. A skilled craftsman can cut a strip of soft ductile lead called came, to the size and then gently bend it back to conform to the crack. Once the piece is bent, it can be soldered in place and cement is used to secure it. Once the cement has dried the crack can be polished, cleaned and sealed.
Another way to repair cracks in leaded glass is to identify cracks, and then re-lead that piece of glass. This is a costly and labor-intensive process, but can be effective. The cracked glass is first removed, cleaned, and sanded to smooth out the surface. Then a lead knife or pincers are used to remove the lead that was previously there and clean off any oxidation or mold growth. After the lead is removed the sanded surface of the glass is wiped down and then the new lead is cut to be a perfect fit with the damaged area and then soldered to the damaged area.
An easier option for repairing stained glass that has sagged is to include reinforcing bars to the window. These are rebar-like supports that run along the inner side of lead and join to the frame to prevent it from sliding. The bars are often able to be hidden behind the foiling with decorative designs so that they are not visible.
Muntins or Mullions
The term "muntin" is a common term used by those who are familiar with windows. These wood strips that are vertical divide the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. They are typically used to create a more authentic look in older homes and are often required as part of city ordinances for renovations or construction in historical areas. However, most modern replacement windows utilize muntins for aesthetics only instead of adding strength and stability to the sash. Nevertheless, muntins can still get damaged and if they're damaged or rotting, it is possible to replace them with fresh pieces.
Many window manufacturers today don't distinguish between muntins or mullions because they both serve the same purpose. The terms are often used interchangeably. However, if you're replacing your windows, it's important to be aware of the distinction between them to ensure that you and your contractor are on the same level when discussing the specifics of your project.
A mullion is a vertical support that holds several panes of tempered glass together. This was a necessity prior to the introduction of glass manufacturing technology because larger pieces were virtually impossible to produce. Today's windows do not necessarily require mullions as frames are made of two glass units and glued to one another. However, certain older kinds of windows have mullions to provide support, and they are often used to enhance the appearance of windows.
If your mullions have signs of age they can be repaired easily them by applying a bead or two of silicone on both sides of the muntin. Then press it into the frame. If you're replacing a horizontal piece you might need to use a copingsaw to remove the old muntin. Then, shape the end of the new muntin with the help of a file. If you wish to blend in, you can purchase an entirely new muntin that is slightly different from the original.
Certain IGUs have both muntins (real mullions) and muntins (replicas) that are built in the unit only for the purpose of. If you are having issues with these components it's probably time to replace your window.
Frame
You don't want to ruin the look of your frame by painting it, but if you do need to touch it up using a sanding brush, you can use a sponge with a fine grit to remove any old paint and stains. Use a dry rag to wash it up. Pay 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 glue in these areas, but you might have to test it on a corner or two before applying it to the entire area.
If the corners are loose and an issue you should disassemble the whole frame to access them, and then follow the steps 3-8 to fix the problem. However, if the gap is very slight and only on one side, you may be able to wiggle the joint a bit without disassembling it.
If the corners are utterly broken you'll need a small clamp, wood glue and needle-nosed pliers. If only the top and bottom corners are damaged you can hammer a finishing nail (these are thin nails with similar dimensions to a head) into the corner to help to hold it in place once the glue has dried. It is important not to place the nails too close to the corner, or you could weaken it. You can also reinforce the corner with carpenter's adhesive and the hammer, or wood putty.
