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 cold.
You can fix hinges that are stiff with a ratchet that will remove the cover on the operator's device or a bit of oil. DIYers can also repair damaged glass.
Broken or cracked glass
It's important to fix the problem as quickly as possible when the window is damaged or has glass that is broken. If you don't address the crack, it could become worse and create problems with airflow in your home. If you're not confident in handling the fix by yourself, a professional can assist.
Depending on the degree of the crack, there are several different ways to fix it. The most effective solution is to cover the crack with clear tape. This will keep your family members from being smashed by glass shards but still allow air and sunlight to flow through the space. You can take it one step further and use epoxy. This is a labor-intensive option however it can also provide a more attractive finish.
First, you'll want to clean the area around the crack. Dip a cotton rag into a mixture of water and soap and gently scrub the cracked area. When the window is dry and the epoxy is applied, follow according to the instructions on the package. When the epoxy has cured and dried, you can make use of a putty knife scrape away any excess, and sand the surface to smooth it.
Stress cracks are the most frequent kind of crack that can be found in a home's window glass. They usually begin at the edge of your window and then spread across the entire pane. These are usually caused by changes in temperature in your house, and they can get worse over time.
For double-pane windows you'll need to replace the entire unit if one pane breaks. This is because these windows are sealed that consists of two glass pieces that function as one piece. This is not like regular windows that can be replaced with frames that are new.
To replace a glass pane in your double-pane window, you'll have to remove the glazing clips or points that secure the window. Keep all the pieces you need to replace damaged glass panes. For other kinds of windows, you'll need to scrape off the old putty and then reapply it with the new pane.
Stained Glass
The tiny pieces of glass that compose stained glass windows are hard and fragile. Glass can crack and broken by rough treatment, hitting with hard objects or an abrupt temperature change.
The good news is that in the event that the glass is broken, it may be repaired and saved from the high cost of panel removal and replacement. Stained glass experts can use various techniques to repair the damage including re-leading or re-foiling, soldering, painting or patina and putting in new glass.
It can be difficult and time-consuming to replace or repair damaged stained glass. It is essential to employ a professional who knows the different repair methods and can choose the one that works best for your particular project. Each repair technique has different strengths, reversibility, and visual effects. Therefore, each must be assessed individually.
Re-leading is a popular method for repairing cracked leaded glass. A skilled craftsman will bend the soft ductile led, called came, back into shape to match the crack. Once the piece has been bent, it is then soldered into place, and then cement is used to hold it in its place. After the new cement is dry, the crack can be polished, cleaned and sealed.
Another way to fix broken leaded glass is noting the crack, and then leading the glass piece again. This is a costly and labor-intensive procedure, but it can be efficient. First the cracked piece of glass is removed and cleaned before being sanded to smooth the surface. The old lead is removed using a lead knife, or pincers. Any mold or oxidation can be cleaned away with the lead knife. After the old lead has been removed the glass surface that has been sanded cleaned and the new lead is then soldered into place.
Reinforcing bars can be incorporated to the window to fix stained glass that has sagged. This is a less expensive solution. These are rebar-like supports that are positioned across the inside of the lead and connect to the frame to help stop the glass from sliding. Often times the bars can be hidden behind the foiling making them unnoticeable.
Muntins and Mullions
Those who know something about windows may be familiar with the term "muntin." These vertical wood strips separate window panes in traditional multi-pane windows. Typically, they're employed in older homes to preserve their authentic appearance and are often required by city ordinances when constructing or renovating in a historical district. Many modern replacement windows only utilize muntins to enhance the aesthetics of the window rather than to ensure the strength and stability. Muntins can still be susceptible to damage and can be replaced if they become damaged or rotten.
Most window companies today don't make the distinction between muntins and mullions since both are used for the same purpose. They are frequently used interchangeably but when you're replacing windows, it's important to know the distinction between them to ensure that you and your contractor are on the same level when discussing the specifics of your project.
A mullion is a single vertical prop that holds glass panes together in a multi-pane arrangement. It was necessary before the advent in glass manufacturing technology because larger pieces were nearly impossible to make. Nowadays, windows do not require mullions because the frames are constructed of two glass units and then glued to one another. Mullions are used in some older windows to support the frame, and they're also often used for aesthetic reasons.
If window repair are showing signs of aging you can easily fix them by applying a tiny bead of silicone on both sides of the muntin, and then pressing it back into the frame. If you are replacing a horizontal muntin, you may have to use a coping saw to cut away the old one and then shape the end using a file to fit into the mortise of another horizontal muntin. If you want to blend in, purchase another muntin that is slightly different from the original.
Certain IGUs include real muntins and mullions that are built into the unit for use only. If you have a problem with these components it's likely that it's time to replace your window.
Frame
You don't want to alter the appearance of your frame by painting it, but if you do need to touch it up, use a sanding sponge on the fine grits to get rid of any stains and paint. Use a dry rag to clean it again. Pay particular attention to the corners at the mitered joints. Apply wood glue to re-glue them if they have opened up. You can also make use of vinegar to dissolve old glue in these areas, however you might need to test it on a corner or two before applying it to the entire area.
If the corners aren't tight enough and pose a problem, you can often disassemble the whole frame to examine them, and follow the steps 3 to 8 to fix it. However, if the separation is only on one side, you may be able to pry the joint open a little without removing it.
If the corners are completely broken, you will need a small clamp, wood glue, and needle-nosed pliers. If only the top and bottom corners are broken it is common to use finishing nails (those are tiny nails that are very similar to the size of the head) into the corner of the frame to help keep it firmly in place after the glue is dry. It is important not to place the nails too close to the corner or they could cause damage to the corner. You can reinforce the corner with carpenter's adhesive and wood putty or a hammer.