Tips For Repairing Window
Many windows require repair to ensure that they can open and close properly. Repairing your window could save you money if the seal is broken and causes your energy bills to increase or your home to feel chilly.
Stiff hinges can often be repaired by a small amount of oil or by using the ratchet tool to loosen the operator cover. Repairing a cracked window is also possible for the DIYer.
Cracked or broken glass
If your window is broken or cracked glass, you must take care of the issue as soon as possible. If you don't address the crack, it could become worse and create problems with airflow in your home. A professional can help if you are not confident in your ability to fix the crack on your own.
There are a variety of ways to repair your window depending on the severity. The most effective solution is to cover the crack with clear tape. This will shield your family from being damaged by glass shards but still allowing air and sunlight to pass through. You can take it one step further by using epoxy. It's a more labor-intensive process however, it can give more appealing results.
You'll first want to clean the crack. Mix a little soap with water and put a cotton rag in it. Then, carefully scrub the cracked area to remove dirt or other debris. When the window is dry and the epoxy is applied, follow according to package instructions. Once the epoxy is hardened then use a putty knife to remove any excess and sand it to smooth the surface.
The most common type is a stress crack. They typically begin near the edges of the glass and extend across the entire pane. They are usually the result of temperature fluctuations in your home, and can become worse with time.
For double-pane windows, you'll have to replace the entire window if one pane breaks. They are composed of two pieces that work together as one unit. This is not like regular windows that can be replaced by an entirely new frame.
To replace the glass pane of double-paned windows you'll need to remove the glazing points or clips that hold the window in position. If you're replacing a broken pane, ensure you keep track of the pieces so you can replace them in the future. For other kinds of windows it is necessary to scrape off the old putty, and then apply it again to the new one.
Stained Glass
The tiny pieces of glass that comprise stained glass windows are brittle and fragile. Glass can crack and broken through rough treatment, hitting with hard objects or a sudden temperature change.
The positive side is that even if the piece of glass is damaged, it could be repairable and free from the expense of panel removal and replacement. Stained glass experts can use different techniques to repair the damage including re-leading, re-foiling or re-foil painting or soldering and putting in new glass.
Repairing or replacing damaged stained glass can be difficult and time consuming. It is important to hire an expert who is knowledgeable of the various methods of repair and can choose the most effective one for your project. The reversibility, strength and visual effect of each repair method will differ, so each one must be assessed on a case-by case basis.
Re-leading is an effective method of repairing cracked lead 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 has been bent, it is then soldered into place and then the cement is used to keep it in place. When the new cement is dry, the crack can be polished, cleaned and sealed.
A second way to repair broken leaded glass is spotting the crack and then re-leading the piece of glass. This is a time-consuming and costly process, but can be effective. The cracked glass is first removed, cleaned, and sanded to smooth out the surface. Then the lead knife or pincers are used to cut off the old lead and clean away any oxidation or mold growth. After the old lead is removed, the glass surface that was sanded is cleaned and the new lead is then soldered into the place.
Reinforcing bars can be incorporated to the window in order to repair stained glass that has become sagging. This is a less expensive solution. These are rebar-like supports that are placed along the inside side of lead and join to frame to prevent sagging. window repair are often able to be hidden behind the foiling making them unnoticeable.
Muntins and Mullions
The term "muntin" is well-known to people who are familiar with windows. These wood strips in vertical form are used to separate the panes of traditional windows with multi-panes. They are typically used to create a more authentic look in older homes and are often required in city ordinances for renovations or construction in historical areas. Many modern replacement windows only utilize muntins to enhance the aesthetics of the window, not for the strength and stability. Muntins are still vulnerable to damage and may need to be replaced if they get rotten or broken.
Many window manufacturers today don't distinguish between mullions and muntins because they both have the same function. The terms are often used interchangeably. However, when you're replacing windows, you must know the difference between them to ensure that you and your contractor are on the same page when discussing the details of your project.
A mullion is a single vertical prop that holds glass panes together in a multi-pane composition. It was required prior to the development of glass manufacturing technology because larger pieces were virtually impossible to make. The frames of windows of today are made from two glass pieces that are joined together. However, some older types of windows do have mullions to provide support and they are commonly used for aesthetic reasons.
If your mullions are showing signs of age they can be easily repaired 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, and then make the ends of the new muntin using the aid of a file. If you'd like to blend in, buy a new muntin slightly different from the original.
Certain IGUs have real muntins and mullions that are integrated into the unit to provide effect only. If you are having issues with these components, it is likely time to replace your window.
Frame
You don't want ruining the look of your frame by painting it however, if you do need to touch it up you can use a sanding sponge and the fine grits to get rid of any stains and paint. Clean it again, using a dry cloth, paying special attention to the corners of the mitered joints. If the joints have opened a little, try to close them gently, and use some wood glue to secure them back together. You can also make use of vinegar to dissolve glue in these areas, but you might have to test it on a corner or two before putting it all over.
If the corners aren't tight enough and pose an issue it is possible to disassemble the whole frame to get at them, and then follow the steps 3 through 8 to fix it. If the separation is only small and only on one side, it could be possible to make the joint more open by moving it.
If the corners have completely fallen apart, you will need needle-nose pliers, a flat surface, a small clamp, and wood glue. If only the top and bottom corners have split it is common to hit finishing nails (those are thin nails that are similar in size to the head) into the corner of the frame, to help keep it firmly in place after the glue has dried. It is important not to place the nails too close to the corner or they could cause damage to the corner. You can also strengthen the corner using carpenter's glue and a hammer, or wood putty.