Some windows will require repairs to ensure they are able to open and close properly. If the seal is damaged and causes energy bills to rise or your home to feel drafty, fixing your window can save money in the long run.
Stiff hinges are often repaired by a small amount of oil or a ratchet tool to loosen the cover of the operator. Repairing a damaged window is also feasible for the DIYer.
Cracked or broken glass
It is crucial to address the issue as fast as possible if windows are cracked or has glass that is broken. The crack could worsen if left untreated, and can cause airflow issues within your home. A professional can help if you are not confident in your ability to repair the crack on your own.
There are a variety of ways to repair your window, based on the severity. The simplest solution is to apply clear tape to the crack. This will safeguard your family from being cut by glass shards while still allowing air and sunlight to flow through. You can take it one step further by using epoxy. This option is more labor intensive, but can result in the most attractive end product.
First, you'll need to clean the crack. Dip a cotton rag into a solution of water and soap and then gently scrub the area that has cracked. After the window has dried then apply the epoxy according to the instructions on the package. After the epoxy has set and dried, you can make use of a putty knife scrape off any excess and sand the surface to smooth it.
Stress cracks are the most frequent type of crack in a home's window glass. These cracks usually start near the edges of the glass and spread throughout the pane. These are typically caused by temperature fluctuations in your house, and can worsen over time.
If a pane of a double-pane windows breaks, you will need to replace the entire unit. These windows are made of two pieces which work as one unit. This is different from regular windows, which are replaced with a brand new window frame.
To replace a glass pane in a double-pane window you'll have to remove the glazing clips or points that secure the window. If you're replacing a broken pane, ensure you keep track of the pieces to be able to replace them in the future. For other kinds of windows you'll need to scrape off the old glue and apply it to the new window.
Stained Glass
The delicate pieces of glass that compose stained glass windows are hard and fragile. Glass can crack and broken through rough treatment, impacting with hard objects or an abrupt temperature change.
Even if a piece of glass is damaged It can be repaired and save the cost of removing and replacing the panel. Experts in stained glass can fix the damage by employing a variety of techniques, including releading or refoiling or soldering. They can also paint or patina or add new glass.
It can be difficult and long-lasting to replace or repair broken stained glass. It is essential to employ a skilled professional who understands the various repair methods that are available and will choose the best one for the specific project. Each repair technique has distinct strengths, reversibility, as well as visual effects. Therefore, each one should be evaluated individually.
Re-leading is a common method of repairing cracked lead glass. A skilled craftsman can cut a piece of soft ductile lead, called came, to the size and then bend it to fit the crack. Once the piece has been bent, it is soldered into place and then the cement is used to hold it in place. Once the cement has dried, the crack can then be cleaned, polished and sealed.
Another way to repair cracks in leaded glass is to spot cracks and then re-lead the piece of glass. window repair is a labor-intensive and expensive process, but can be efficient. First the cracked piece of glass is removed and cleaned before being sanded to smooth the surface. The lead that was removed is removed using a lead knife, or pincers. Any mold or oxidation can be removed using the lead knife. After the lead is removed, the glass surface that has been sanded cleaned and the new lead is soldered into the place.
Reinforcing bars can be added to the window to fix stained glass that has sagged. This is a less costly option. These are rebar-like supports that run across the interior side of the lead, and connect to the frame in order to keep the glass from sagging. Often times the bars can be hidden behind the decorative foiling making them invisible.
Muntins and Mullions
The term "muntin" is well-known to those who are familiar with windows. These vertical wood strips divide the panes of the traditional multi-paned windows. They are typically used to create a more authentic look in historic homes and are often required in city ordinances for construction or renovations in historical districts. Modern replacement windows mainly use muntins to enhance the aesthetics of the window rather than to ensure durability and strength. However, they can become damaged and if they are broken or rotting, it is possible to replace them with fresh pieces.
The majority of window manufacturers today don't distinguish between mullions and muntins as both serve the same purpose. These terms are often interchangeable however, if you're replacing your windows, it is crucial to know the distinctions so that you and your contractor can discuss the specifics of the work.
A mullion is the single vertical prop that holds glass panes together in a multi-pane arrangement. This was a necessity prior to the advent of glass manufacturing technology since larger pieces were almost impossible to make. Today's windows do not necessarily require mullions because frames are made of two glass units and glued to each other. However, certain older kinds of windows have mullions in place to provide support, and they are frequently 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're replacing a horizontal piece it is possible to use a copingsaw to remove the old muntin. Then, make the ends of the new muntin with the aid of a file. 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 in the unit only for the purpose of. If you are experiencing problems with these components, then it's probably time to replace your window.
Frame
You don't want to ruin the appearance of your frame by painting it, but if you do have to touch it up, use a sanding sponge on a fine grit to remove any stains and paint. Use dry rags to clean it again. Be particular about the corners at the mitered joints. If they've opened a little and you are unable to close them, try closing them gently and apply wood glue to keep them in place. You can also use vinegar to dissolve old adhesive. However, you may prefer to test the vinegar on a few corners before applying it to the entire area.
If the corners aren't tight enough and pose a problem you may be able to disassemble the whole frame to get at them, and follow the steps 3 through 8 to fix it. If the separation is small and only on one side, it might be possible to let the joint open a bit by moving it.
If the corners are utterly broken and the frame is completely broken, you'll require a small clamp, wood glue and needle-nosed pliers. If only the top and bottom corners have broken away, you can often hit finishing nails (those are nails that are thin and are similar to the size of the head) into the corner of the frame to ensure that it stays in place when the glue is dry. Be careful not to put the nails too close to the corner, or you may weaken it. You can reinforce the corner with carpenter's glue and a hammer or wood putty.
