Some windows will require repairs to ensure they open and close properly. Repairing your window can save you money in the event that the seal is damaged, which can cause your energy bills to rise or your home to feel cold.
Stiff hinges can often be repaired with a bit of oil or using a ratchet tool to loosen the cover for the operator. Repairing a cracked window is also attainable for DIYers.
Cracked or broken glass
If your window is cracked or broken glass, it's important to fix the issue as quickly as possible. If you do not address the crack, it could become worse and cause airflow issues in your house. A professional can help you if you're not sure of your ability to repair the crack by yourself.
There are many ways to fix your window depending on the severity of the crack. The easiest option is to cover the crack with clear tape. This will keep your family from getting cut by shards of glass but still allow air and sunlight to flow through the space. You can take it one step further by using epoxy. This is more labor intensive but it can yield a more attractive end product.
It is important to first clean around the crack. Dip a cotton rag in the mixture of water and soap and gently scrub the cracked area. After the window has dried then apply the epoxy according to the instructions on the package. When the epoxy has hardened then use a putty knife to remove any excess and sand it to smooth the surface.
Stress cracks are the most common type of crack found in window glass in a home. They usually begin near the edges of the glass, and then spread throughout the pane. These are usually caused by temperature fluctuations in your house, and they can get worse over time.
If one pane of a double-pane window breaks, you will need to replace the whole unit. This is due to the fact that these windows are a sealed unit with two pieces of glass that function as one piece. This is not the same as regular windows that can be replaced with a new 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. Keep all the pieces you need to replace the broken glass pane. For other kinds of windows you'll need to scrape off the old putty, and then apply it again to the new window.
Stained Glass
The tiny pieces of glass used to make stained glass windows are fragile and brittle. Glass can be cracked and broken through rough treatment, impacting with hard objects or an abrupt temperature change.
The good news is that even when the glass piece is broken, it may be repairable and can be kept from the costly expense of replacing the panel and removal. Stained glass experts can use different methods to repair the damage, including re-leading or re-foiling, soldering, painting or patina and putting in new glass.
It can be challenging and long-lasting to replace or repair cracked stained glass. It is important to use a skilled professional who understands the various repair methods that are available and will select the most appropriate one for the specific project. Each repair method has its own strengths, reversibility, and visual effects. Therefore, each one should be evaluated individually.
Re-leading is among the most popular ways to repair cracked glass. A skilled craftsman will bend the soft ductile led, also known as came back into shape to match the crack. After the piece is bent, it can be soldered in place and cement is used to hold it in place. Once the new cement has dried, the crack can then be polished, cleaned and sealed.
Another way to repair cracks in leaded glass is to find cracks, and then re-lead the part of glass. This is a time-consuming and costly procedure, but it can be efficient. First the cracked piece of glass is removed, cleaned and sanded down to smooth the surface. The lead that was removed is removed by using a lead knife or pincers. Any oxidation or mold can be eliminated using the lead knife. After the old lead has been removed the sanded glass surface is cleaned and the new lead is then soldered into the place.
An easier option for repairing stained glass that has sagged is to add reinforcing bars to the window. These are rebar-like supports that run along the interior part of the lead and connect to the frame to prevent it from sliding. The bars are often able to be hidden behind the decorative foiling making them unnoticeable.
Muntins and Mullions
The term "muntin" is a common term used by those who are familiar with windows. These wood strips in vertical form separate the panes of the traditional multi-paned windows. They are commonly employed to create a more authentic appearance in homes built before the time of the Civil War and are sometimes required in city regulations for renovations or construction in historic districts. Modern replacement windows mainly make use of muntins to improve the aesthetics of the window, rather than to ensure the strength and stability. But, they can become damaged and if they are broken or rotting it is possible to replace them with new ones.
Many window companies today don't distinguish between muntins or mullions since they serve the exact same purpose. The terms are often used interchangeably but should you be replacing your windows, you must know the distinction between them so that you and your contractor are on the same level when discussing the specifics of your project.
window repairs is the only vertical prop that holds the glass panes together in a multi-pane design. It was necessary before the advent in glass manufacturing technology, as larger pieces were nearly impossible to produce. The frames of today's windows are constructed from two glass units that are glued together. However, some older types of windows have mullions to support the frame and are commonly used to enhance the appearance of windows.
If your mullions show signs of aging, you can easily repair them by applying a small bead of silicone to both sides of the muntin and then pressing it back into the frame. If you're replacing a horizontal muntin you may have to make use of a coping tool to cut off the old piece and then form the ends using a file to fit into the mortise of the other horizontal muntin. If you'd like to blend in, you can purchase an entirely new muntin that is slightly different from the original.
Some IGUs contain both muntins (real mullions) and muntins (replicas) that are built inside the unit for effect. If you have a problem with these elements it's probably time to replace your window.
Frame
If you have to polish the frame, you can use the sanding pad using 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. Use wood glue to re-glue them in the event that they've opened. You can also make use of vinegar to dissolve old glue in these areas, however you may need to test it on an area or two before applying it all over.
If the corners are loose and an issue, you can usually disassemble the whole frame to get them in and then follow the steps 3-8 to fix the problem. If the separation is only on one side, you may be able to pry the joint open a little without disassembling it.
If the corners have shattered completely apart, you'll need needle-nose pliers and a flat surface, a small clamp, and wood glue. If only the top and bottom corners are broken You can usually use finishing nails (those are tiny nails that are very similar to the size of the head) into the corner of the frame, to keep it securely in place after the glue is dry. Make sure to not put the nails too close to the corner, or you may weaken it. You can also reinforce the corner using carpenter's glue and the hammer, or wood putty.
