Tips For Repairing Window
Many windows require repair to ensure they open and close properly. If the seal is cracked and causing energy bills to increase or your house to feel drafty, repairing your window can save money in the long run.
Stiff hinges are often repaired by a small amount of oil or by using a ratchet tool to loosen the cover for the operator. Repairing a damaged or cracked window is also possible for DIYers.
Broken or cracked glass
It's important to fix the problem as quickly as possible when the window is damaged or has broken glass. The crack can get worse if it's left unattended and may cause airflow issues in your home. A professional can help you if you're not sure of your ability to fix the crack yourself.
Depending on the severity of your window There are many ways to repair it. The simplest option is to use clear tape to cover the crack. This will protect your family members from being cut by shards of glass but still allow sunlight and air to pass through the room. You can go a step further by using epoxy. This method is more labor intensive however, it can produce a more attractive end product.
First, you'll want to clean the area around the crack. Dip a cotton rag in a mixture of water and soap, then gently clean the crack. Once the window is dry 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 common type is a stress crack. These usually begin at the edge of the glass, and then spread throughout the pane. These are typically caused by temperature changes in your house, and they can get worse over time.
If a pane of a double-pane window is broken then you'll need to replace the entire unit. This is because double-pane windows are sealed with two pieces of glass that function as one. This is different from normal windows, which are replaced with a brand new window frame.
To replace the glass pane of a double-paned window it is necessary to remove the glazing clips or points that keep the window in place. If you're replacing a broken pane, be sure to keep track of the pieces so that you can replace them in the future. For other kinds of windows it is necessary to scrape off the old putty and then reapply it with the new pane.
Stained Glass
The tiny pieces of glass used to create stained glass windows are brittle and fragile. Rough treatment, impact with hard objects or a sudden change in temperature can cause cracks and break the glass.
The good news is that when the glass piece is broken, it can be repairable and can be free from the expense of replacement and removal of the panel. Stained glass experts can employ different methods to repair the damage including re-leading, re-foiling or re-foil painting or platina, and adding new glass.
Replacing or repairing cracked stained glass can be challenging and time consuming. It is essential to employ an expert who is knowledgeable of the various repair techniques and can choose the one that works best for your specific project. The reversibility, strength and visual effect of each repair technique will vary, so each one should be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Re-leading is a common method to repair cracked leaded glass. A skilled artisan can cut a strip of soft ductile lead known as came, to size and then gently bend it back to conform to the crack. Once the piece is bent, it can be placed in place and then cement is used to secure it. After the new cement has cured the crack can be cleaned, polished and sealed.
Another way to repair cracks in leaded glass is to find cracks, and then re-lead that piece of glass. This is a time-consuming and costly procedure, but it can be effective. The glass that has cracked is removed, cleaned, and sanded to smooth out the surface. Then a lead knife or pincers are used to take out the old lead and clean off any oxidation or mold growth. After the lead is removed the sanded surface of the glass is wiped down and the new lead is shaped to neatly adjoin the damaged area and soldered to the damaged area.
An alternative that is less expensive to fix stained glass that is sagging is to include reinforcing bars to the window. They are rebar-like supports that run along the interior side of the lead, and connect to the frame to stop the glass from sliding. Sometimes, the bars can be hidden behind the decorative foiling making them unnoticeable.
Muntins and Mullions
People who are familiar with windows may have heard of the term "muntin." These vertical wood strips are used to separate window panes in traditional multi-pane windows. Typically, they are used in historic homes to preserve their authentic appearance and are often required by city ordinances when building or renovating in a historic district. Many modern replacement windows only use muntins to enhance the aesthetics of the window, not for the strength and stability. Muntins are still susceptible to damage and may need to be replaced if they become damaged or decayed.
A lot of window companies today don't differentiate between mullions or muntins because they all serve the exact same purpose. They are frequently used interchangeably but if you're replacing your windows, it's essential to be aware of the distinction between them to ensure that you and your contractor are on the same team when discussing the details of your project.
A mullion is a single vertical prop that holds panes of glass together in a multi-pane design. It was required prior to the advent in glass manufacturing technology, since larger pieces were nearly impossible to manufacture. Nowadays, windows do not require mullions since the frames are constructed from two glass units and glued to each other. However, some older types of windows do have mullions to provide support and they are frequently used to enhance the appearance of windows.
If your mullions are showing signs of age, you can easily fix them by putting a dot or two of silicone on both sides of the muntin. Then press it back into the frame. If you're replacing a horizontal muntin you may need to use a coping saw to remove the old piece and then spruce up the end by using a file so that it fits into the mortise of another horizontal muntin. If you'd like to blend in, purchase a new muntin slightly different from the original.
Some IGUs feature both real muntins and mullions which are built into the unit for effect 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 ruining the appearance of your frame by painting it however, if you do require a touch-up, use a sanding sponge with the fine grits to get rid of any stains and paint. Use a dry rag to wash it up. Pay particular attention to the corners of the mitered joints. Use wood glue to re-glue them in the event that they've opened. You can also use vinegar to dissolve old glue in these areas, but you may need to test it on one or two corners before applying it all over.
If the loose corners are a problem, you can usually disassemble the entire frame in order to reach them and then follow the steps 3 to 8 to resolve the issue. However, if the separation isn't too significant and is only on one side, you might be able to pull the joint open a little without removing it.
If window repair are utterly broken you'll need a small clamp, wood glue and needle-nosed pliers. If only the top or bottom corners have broken away it is common to use finishing nails (those are tiny nails that are similar to the size of the head) into the corner of the frame to ensure that it stays in place when the glue is dry. Make sure to not put the nails too close to the corner, or they could cause damage to the corner. You can reinforce the corner using carpenter's adhesive and wood putty or a hammer.