Many windows require repairs to ensure they open and shut properly. If the seal is damaged and causing energy bills to increase or your house to feel drafty, repairing your window could save you money in the long term.
Stiff hinges can often be repaired by a small amount of oil or by using a ratchet tool to loosen the operator cover. DIYers can also repair cracks in glass.
Broken or cracked glass
If your window is cracked or broken glass, it's crucial to fix the issue as quickly as possible. If you ignore the crack, it could get worse and cause problems with airflow in your home. If you're not confident in handling the fix by yourself, a professional can assist.
There are several methods to repair your window based on the severity. The simplest option is to use clear tape to cover the crack. This will protect your family from being damaged by glass shards but still allowing sunlight and air to pass through. If you'd like to go a step further, you can also employ epoxy. It's a more labor-intensive method however, it can give more appealing results.
In the beginning, you'll need to clean the area around the crack. Dip a cotton rag in a mixture of soap and water and then gently scrub the area that has cracked. After the window is dry then apply the epoxy according to the instructions on the package. After the epoxy has set, you can use a putty knife to scrape off any excess and smooth the surface by sanding it.
Stress cracks are the most frequent type of crack in a window glass at home. They usually begin at the edge of your window and then spread across the entire pane. They're usually the result of temperature changes in your home, and can get worse over time.
For double-pane windows you'll have to replace the entire window if one pane breaks. These windows are made of two parts that work together as one unit. This is not like regular windows that can be replaced with a new frame.
To replace the glass pane on a double-paned window it is necessary to remove the glazing points or clips that hold the window in place. If you're replacing a broken pane, ensure you keep track of these pieces so you can replace them in the future. You'll need to scrape old putty off and then apply the new pane for different kinds of windows.
Stained Glass
The tiny pieces of glass that compose stained glass windows are tough and fragile. Rough treatment, impact with hard objects or a sudden change in temperature can crack and break the glass.
The good news is that even in the event that the glass is broken, it may be repairable and saved from the high cost of replacement and removal of the panel. Stained glass experts can use various techniques to repair the damage including re-leading, re-foiling or re-foil painting or soldering and then adding new glass.
Repairing or replacing damaged stained glass can be challenging and time-consuming. It is important to use a skilled professional who understands the different repair techniques that are available and can pick the best one for your specific task. Each repair method has its own reversibility, strength, and visual effects. This is why each must be assessed individually.
Re-leading is one of the most popular methods of repairing damaged glass. A skilled artisan will carefully bend the soft ductile led, also known as came back into shape to match the crack. After the piece is bent it is then placed in place and then cement is used to secure it. Once the new cement has dried, the crack can then be polished, cleaned and sealed.
Another method of repairing cracks in leaded glass is to identify cracks and then re-lead that piece of glass. This is a labor-intensive and costly process, but it can be effective. The broken piece of glass is removed and cleaned before being sanded to smooth the surface. Then a lead knife or pincers are used to take out the lead and wash off any oxidation or growth. After the old lead has been removed the sanded glass surface is cleaned and the new lead is welded into place.
An easier option to fix stained glass that is sagging is to include reinforcing bars to the window. They are rebar-like support structures that run along the interior part of the lead and connect to frame to prevent sagging. The bars are usually hidden behind decorative foiling, making them invisible.
Muntins and Mullions
The term "muntin" is a common term used by people who are familiar with windows. These vertical wood strips divide the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Typically, they are employed in older homes to preserve the authentic appearance and are often required by city ordinances when building or renovating a historic district. Many modern replacement windows only utilize muntins to enhance the appearance of the window rather than to ensure durability and strength. However, they can get damaged and if they are broken or rotting it is possible to replace them with new ones.
Most window manufacturers today don't distinguish between mullions and muntins because both serve the same purpose. These terms are usually interchangeable however, if you're replacing your windows it is crucial to know the distinctions so that you and your contractor can talk about the specifics of the work.
A mullion is a horizontal support that holds several panes of tempered glass together. This was an essential feature prior to the invention of glass manufacturing technology because larger pieces were nearly impossible to produce. Modern windows do not require mullions since the frames are constructed from two glass units that are glued to each other. Mullions are often used in older windows to give support and are also used for aesthetic purposes.
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 part you might need to use a copingsaw remove the old muntin, and then form the top of the new one using the help of a file. If you'd like to blend in, purchase a new muntin slightly different from the original.
Some IGUs contain both muntins (real mullions) and muntins (replicas) that are built in the unit only to provide effect. If you have a problem with these elements it's probably time to replace your window.
window repair near me don't want to alter the appearance of your frame by painting it however, if you do have to touch it up, use a sanding sponge with the fine grits to get rid of any paint or stains. Use dry rags to clean it up. Be particular about the corners around the mitered joints. If they've opened a bit then try closing them gently and apply some wood glue to secure them back together. You can also apply vinegar in these areas to dissolve old adhesive. However, you may prefer to test the vinegar on a few corners before applying it to all of them.
If the loose corners are a problem you should disassemble the whole frame to get them in and then follow the steps 3-8 to fix the problem. If the separation is slight and on one side, it might be possible to let the joint open a bit by moving it.
If the corners are completely broken and the frame is completely broken, you'll require a small clamp, wood glue and needle-nosed pliers. If only the top or bottom corners have broken away, you can often 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 once the glue has dried. Be cautious not to place the nails too close to the corner, or you may weaken the frame. You can reinforce the corner using carpenter's adhesive and a hammer or wood putty.
