Some windows will require repairs to ensure they are able to open and close correctly. Repairing your window can save you money if the seal is broken, which causes your energy bills to rise or your home to feel drafty.
You can fix hinges that are stiff with a ratchet that will remove the cover on the operator's device or by applying a small amount of oil. Repairing a damaged or cracked window is also feasible for a DIYer.
Broken or cracked glass
It's important to fix the issue as fast as you can if windows are cracked or has glass that is broken. The crack may get worse if it's left unattended and could cause airflow problems in your home. If you're not comfortable doing the repair by yourself, a professional can help.
Depending on the degree of the crack, there are several different methods to repair it. The simplest solution is to use clear tape to cover the crack. This will safeguard your family from being damaged by glass shards but still allowing sunlight and air to flow through. You can go a step further by using epoxy. This is more labor-intensive, however, it can produce a more attractive end product.
First, you'll want to clean the area around the crack. Dip a cotton rag into a mixture of water and soap, then gently clean the area that has cracked. When the window is dry then apply the epoxy according to the instructions on the package. When the epoxy has cured, you can make use of a putty knife scrape away any excess, and smooth the surface by sanding it.
Stress cracks are the most common type of crack found in window glass in a home. The cracks typically begin at the edge of the glass and spread throughout the pane. They're usually the result of temperature fluctuations in your home and tend to get worse over time.
Double-pane windows need to replace the entire window if one pane breaks. This is due to the fact that these windows are sealed with two pieces of glass that work as one piece. This is not like regular windows that can be replaced with an entirely new frame.
To replace a glass pane in your double-pane window, you'll need to take off the glazing clips or points that keep the window in place. If you're replacing a damaged pane, be sure to keep track of the pieces so that you can replace them in the future. You'll need to scrape old putty off, and then apply the new one for other types of windows.
Stained Glass
The delicate little pieces of glass that compose stained glass windows are hard and fragile. The rough treatment, the impact of hard objects or a sudden shift in temperature can cause cracks and break the glass.
The good news is that when the glass piece is damaged, it could be repairable and can be kept from the costly expense of replacing the panel and removal. Experts in stained glass can fix the damage using different methods, 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 damaged stained glass. It is essential to employ an expert who is knowledgeable of the various methods of repair and can choose the most effective one for your project. Each repair technique has different reversibility, strength, and visual effects. Therefore, each one must be assessed individually.
Re-leading is among the most popular methods for repairing cracked glass. A skilled craftsman can cut a piece of soft ductile lead, called came, to size and then gently bend it back to conform to 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 new cement has cured the crack can be cleaned, polished and sealed.
Another way to repair cracks in glass that is leaded is to identify cracks, and then re-lead the piece of glass. This is a labor-intensive and expensive procedure, but it can be efficient. The glass that has cracked is removed from the surface, cleaned, and then sanded to smooth the surface. Then a lead knife or pincers are used to take out the old lead and clean away any oxidation or mold growth. After the lead is removed, the sanded surface the glass is wiped down and the new lead is cut to be a perfect fit with the damaged area before being soldered in place.
Reinforcing bars can be added to the window to repair stained glass that has sagged. This is a cheaper option. They are rebar-like supports that are positioned across the inside of the lead, and connect to the frame to help prevent sagging. The bars are usually hidden behind decorative foiling, making them invisible.
Muntins or Mullions
Anyone who is familiar with windows might be familiar with the term "muntin." These vertical wood strips separate panes of windows in traditional multi-pane windows. They are typically used to create an authentic appearance in homes built before the time of the Civil War and are often required as part of city ordinances for renovations or construction in historic districts. However, many modern replacement windows use muntins for aesthetic purposes only instead of adding strength and stability to the sash. However, they can become damaged and if they're broken or rotting, it's possible to replace them with fresh pieces.
window repairs of window manufacturers today don't distinguish between muntins or mullions since they serve the same purpose. These terms are often interchangeable however if you're replacing your windows, it's important to understand the differences so that you and your contractor can talk about the details of the project.
A mullion is the only vertical prop that holds the glass panes together in a multi-pane design. It was required prior to the development of glass manufacturing technology, since larger pieces were nearly impossible to produce. The frames of modern windows are made from two glass pieces that are glued together. Mullions are utilized in older windows to support the frame, and they're also often employed for aesthetic reasons.
If your mullions show signs of aging they can be repaired easily them by putting a dot or two of silicone on both sides of the muntin. Then press it back into the frame. If you're replacing a horizontal part it is possible to use a copingsaw to remove the old muntin. Then, make the ends of the new muntin with the help of a file. If not, you can simply buy a new muntin that is slightly different from the original one and it will be perfectly matched.
Certain IGUs have both muntins (real mullions) and muntins (replicas) that are built inside the unit for the purpose of. If you are experiencing problems with these components, then it's likely time to replace the window.
Frame
You don't want ruining the appearance of your frame by painting it however, if you do have to touch it up, use a sanding sponge and a fine grit to get rid of any paint or stains. Use a dry rag to clean it again. Pay special attention to the corners at the mitered joints. Use wood glue to re-glue the joints if they have opened up. You can also use vinegar in these areas to break down old adhesive. However, you may prefer to test the vinegar on a few corners before applying it to the entire area.
If the corners are loose and a concern, you can usually disassemble the whole frame to reach them and then follow the steps 3 to 8 to resolve the issue. If the separation is slight and on one side, it might be possible to open the joint a little by moving it.
If the corners are broken completely, you will need a small clamp, wood glue, and needle-nosed pliers. If only the top and bottom corners have broken away You can usually hit finishing nails (those are thin nails that are very 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 cautious not to place the nails too close to the corner, as you could weaken it. You can reinforce the corner with carpenter's adhesive and wood putty or a hammer.
