Tips For Repairing Window
A lot of windows require repair to ensure they are able to open and close properly. If the seal is broken and is causing your energy bills to rise or your house to feel drafty, repairing your window can save you money in the long run.
It is possible to fix hinges that are stiff with a ratchet that will loosen the operator's cover or a little oil. Repairing a damaged window is also attainable for a DIYer.
Cracked or Broken Glass
It's important to fix the issue as soon as you can if the window is damaged or has broken glass. The crack may get worse if left untreated, and may cause airflow issues in your home. If you're not confident working on the fix yourself, a professional may assist.
There are a variety of ways to repair your window based on the severity of the crack. The most straightforward option is to apply clear tape to the crack. This will protect your family from getting cut by glass shards, while allowing sunlight and air to pass through the room. If you'd like to go further, you can also make use of epoxy. This is a more labor-intensive method however, it can give an attractive finish.
In the beginning, you'll need to clean the area around the crack. Mix a bit of soap with water and put a cotton rag in it, then carefully clean the cracked area to remove dirt or debris. After the window has dried then apply the epoxy as per the instructions on the packaging. Once the epoxy has hardened it is possible to make use of a putty knife scrape away any excess, and smooth the surface by sanding it.
Stress cracks are the most frequent type of crack found in window glass in a home. These cracks usually start near the edges of your window glass and extend throughout the pane. They're usually the result of temperature fluctuations in your home, and tend to get worse over time.
For double-pane windows, you'll have to replace the entire unit in the event that one pane breaks. This is because these windows are sealed that consists of two glass pieces that work as one piece. This is not the same as regular windows which can be replaced by a new frame.
To replace a pane of glass in a double-pane windows, you'll have to remove the glazing clips or points that keep the window in place. Keep your list of the parts that you'll need to replace in the broken glass pane. For windows of other types you'll need to scrape off the old glue and reapply it with the new one.
Stained Glass
The tiny pieces of glass used to make stained glass windows are fragile and brittle. Glass can break and be broken by rough treatment, a collision with hard objects or a sudden temperature change.
The positive side is that even when the glass piece is broken, it can be repairable and can be saved from the high cost of replacement and removal of the panel. Stained glass experts can employ different techniques to repair the damage including re-leading or re-foiling, soldering, painting or patina and then adding new glass.
It can be difficult and time-consuming to repair or replace broken stained glass. It is essential to employ an experienced professional who is familiar with the various repair methods that are available and can choose the best one for your specific task. The reversibility, strength and visual effects of each repair method will differ, and each one should be assessed on a case-by case basis.
Re-leading is a popular method to repair cracked leaded glass. A skilled artisan can cut a piece of soft ductile lead, called came, to size and then bend it to fit the crack. Once the piece has been bent, it is then soldered into place and then the cement is used to keep it in place. Once the new cement is dry, the crack can be cleaned, polished and sealed.
Another way to repair cracks in glass that is leaded is to spot a crack and then re-lead the piece of glass. This is a labor-intensive and expensive process, however it can be effective. The broken piece of glass is removed and cleaned, then sanded to smooth the surface. The lead that was removed is removed with a lead knife or pincers. Any oxidation or mold can be eliminated using the lead knife. After the lead is removed the sanded surface of the glass is cleaned and the new lead is formed to fit neatly over the damaged area before being soldered to the damaged area.
An easier option to fix stained glass that is sagging is to include reinforcing bars to the window. These are rebar-like supports that are positioned across the interior side of the lead and attach to the frame to stop the glass from sliding. Often times the bars can be hidden behind the foiling with decorative designs making them invisible.
Muntins and Mullions
The term "muntin" is familiar to people who are familiar with windows. These wood strips that are vertical separate the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Typically, they're used in homes with historic architecture to preserve the authentic appearance and are often required by city ordinances when constructing or renovating a historic district. However, many modern replacement windows utilize muntins solely for aesthetic reasons instead of adding strength and stability to the sash. Muntins are still vulnerable to deterioration and should be replaced if they get damaged or rotten.
Many window companies today don't make the distinction between mullions and muntins as both serve the same purpose. They are frequently used interchangeably, but when you're replacing windows, it's important to 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 the single vertical prop that holds glass panes together in a multi-pane arrangement. It was required prior to the advent in glass manufacturing technology, since larger pieces were virtually impossible to produce. Today's windows do not necessarily require mullions since frames are made of two glass units and then glued to each other. Mullions are used in some older windows to support the frame and are also used for aesthetic reasons.
If your mullions show signs of aging, you can easily repair them by applying a tiny 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 in order to remove the old muntin, and then make the ends of the new muntin using the help of a file. If you want to blend in, buy an entirely new muntin that is slightly different from the original.
Certain IGUs have real muntins and mullions which are built into the unit for use only. If you're experiencing issues with these elements, then it's probably time to replace your window.
Frame
If you want to sand the frame, you can use a sanding pad with a fine grit. This will eliminate any stains or paint that have accumulated. Clean it with a dry cloth, paying special attention to the corners of the mitered joints. If they've opened a little and you are unable to close them, try closing them gently, and use wood glue to keep them in place. You can also use vinegar in these areas to dissolve the old adhesive. However, you might want to test the vinegar on a few corners before applying it to the entire area.
If the corners are loose and a concern you should disassemble the entire frame to access them, and then follow the steps 3-8 to resolve the issue. However, if the separation isn't too significant and is only on one side, you may be able to wiggle the joint slightly without removing it.
If window repairs have completely fallen apart, you'll require needle-nose pliers and a flat surface, small clamps and wood glue. If only the top or bottom corners are broken You can usually hit finishing nails (those are tiny 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. You should not place the nails too close to the corner, or you may weaken it. You can also strengthen the corner with carpenter's adhesive and the hammer, or wood putty.