Tips For Repairing Window
Many windows require repairs to ensure that they can open and shut properly. If the seal is damaged and causing energy bills to increase or your house to feel drafty, fixing your window can save you money in the long term.
Stiff hinges can often be repaired by a small amount of oil or using a ratchet tool to loosen the cover of the operator. DIYers can also fix damaged glass.
Broken or cracked glass
If a window has cracked or broken glass, it's important to fix the issue as quickly as possible. The crack can get worse if it's left unattended and could cause airflow problems in your home. If you're not confident in doing the repair yourself, a professional can help.
There are many ways to fix your window based on its severity. The simplest option is to use clear tape to cover the crack. This will shield your family from being cut by glass shards while still allowing air and sunlight to pass through. You can go a step further and use epoxy. This is a labor-intensive option however it can also provide more appealing results.
It is important to first clean around the crack. Mix a little soap with water and dip a cotton rag into it. Then, carefully scrub the crack to remove dirt or other debris. After the window has dried and the epoxy is applied, follow according to package instructions. When the epoxy has hardened, use a putty blade to remove any excess and smooth the surface.
The most frequent type is the stress crack. These usually begin at the edge of the glass, and then spread throughout the pane. They're usually the result of temperature changes in your home and can get worse over time.
Double-pane windows need to replace the entire window if one pane breaks. These windows are made of two parts that function as a unit. This is distinct from regular windows, which are replaced by a new window frame.
To replace the glass pane on a double-paned window you'll need to remove the glazing points or clips that hold the window in place. If you're replacing a broken pane, make sure you keep track of these pieces so that you can replace them in the future. For other types of windows it is necessary scrape away the old putty, and then apply it again to the new window.
Stained Glass
The tiny pieces of glass used to create stained glass windows are fragile and brittle. A rough treatment, a collision with hard objects or a sudden shift in temperature can crack and break the glass.
The good news is that even if the piece of glass is damaged, it could be repaired and saved from the high cost of replacement and removal of the panel. Experts in stained glass can repair the damage with a variety of techniques, including releading or refoiling or soldering. They can also paint or patina or add new glass.
Replacing or repairing cracked stained glass can be a challenge and time consuming. It is important to hire a professional who knows the different repair methods and can choose the most effective one for your particular project. The reversibility, strength and visual effects of each repair technique will differ, and each one must be assessed on a case-by case basis.
Re-leading is a common method to repair cracked leaded glass. A skilled artisan will carefully bend a piece of soft ductile led, also known as came back into shape to match the crack. After the piece is bent, it can be soldered in place and cement is used to hold it in place. After the new cement has dried the crack can be polished, cleaned and sealed.
Another method of repairing cracks in leaded glass is to spot cracks and then re-lead that piece of glass. This is a more labor intensive and costly process, but it can be successful. The glass that has cracked is removed, cleaned, and sanded to smooth the surface. Then pincers or a lead knife are used to take out the lead that was previously there and clean away any oxidation or mold growth. After the lead is removed the sanded surface of the glass is wiped down and then the new lead is formed to be a perfect fit with the damaged area and then soldered in place.
An easier option to fix stained glass that is sagging is to include reinforcing bars to the window. These are rebar like supports that run along the inside of the lead and connect to the frame to stop the glass from sliding. The bars are often hidden behind foils with decorative designs, making them virtually invisible.
Muntins or Mullions
The term "muntin" is a common term used by those who are familiar with windows. sash windows repair divide the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. They are often used to create an authentic look in historic homes and are often required in city ordinances for construction or renovations in historic districts. However, most modern replacement windows use muntins solely for aesthetic reasons rather than to add strength and stability to the sash. However, they can be damaged, and if they're broken or rotting it is possible to replace them with new ones.
The majority of window companies today don't even make the distinction between mullions and muntins because both are used for the same purpose. These terms are often interchangeable however if you're replacing your windows it is essential to understand the distinctions so that you and your contractor can talk about the details of the project.
A mullion is a single vertical prop that holds glass panes together in a multi-pane design. It was needed prior to the development of glass manufacturing technology, as larger pieces were nearly impossible to manufacture. The frames of modern windows are made of two glass units that are glued together. Mullions are used in some older windows to provide support and are often employed for aesthetic reasons.
If your mullions show signs of age they can be easily repaired them by applying a drop or two of silicone on both sides of the muntin. Then, press it back into the frame. If you're replacing a horizontal piece, you may need to use a copingsaw to remove the old muntin and then shape the end of the new one using a file. If not, you can simply buy a new muntin that is slightly different from the original one and it will blend perfectly.
Some IGUs include muntins (real mullions) and muntins (replicas) that are constructed in the unit solely for the purpose of. If you experience issues with these components it's probably time to replace your window.
Frame
You don't want to alter the look of your frame by painting it, but if you do have to touch it up you can use a sanding sponge on a fine grit to get rid of any old paint and stains. Use a dry rag to wash it again. Pay particular attention to the corners around the mitered joints. If they've opened a little then try closing them gently, and use wood glue to keep them back together. You can also use vinegar to dissolve the old glue in these areas, however you may need to test it on an area or two before applying it all over.
If the loose corners are an issue, you can usually disassemble the whole frame to access them, and then follow the steps 3 to 8 to fix the problem. However, if the gap is very slight and only on one side, you may be able to pry the joint slightly without removing it.
If the corners have completely come apart, you'll require needle-nose pliers, a flat surface, a small clamp, and wood glue. If only the top and bottom corners have split, you can often hammer finishing nails (those are thin nails that are similar to the size of the head) into the corner of the frame to keep it securely in place when 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 with carpenter's adhesive and the hammer, or wood putty.