Tips For Repairing Window
Many windows require repair to ensure that they can open and shut properly. Repairing your window could save you money when the seal is damaged, which causes your energy bills to increase or your home to feel cold.
The hinges that are stiff can be repaired by a small amount of oil or by using a ratchet tool to loosen the cover of the operator. Repairing a cracked window is also feasible for a DIYer.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If a window has cracked or broken glass, you must fix the issue as quickly as you can. The crack may get worse if left untreated, and can cause airflow issues within your home. If you're not comfortable working on the fix yourself, a professional can help.
There are a variety of methods to repair your window depending on the severity of the crack. The most effective solution is to cover the crack with clear tape. This will prevent your family from getting cut by shards of glass while still allowing air and sunlight to pass through the room. You can go one step further by using epoxy. This is more labor intensive, however, it can produce an attractive final product.
It is important to first clean around the crack. Dip a cotton rag into the mixture of water and soap and then gently scrub the crack. After the window is dry then apply the epoxy according to the instructions on the package. After the epoxy has set using a putty blade, use it to remove any excess and smooth the surface.
The most popular type is a stress crack. These usually begin near the edges of the glass and extend across the entire pane. They are often a 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. These windows are made of two parts that work together as one unit. This is not like regular windows that can be replaced with a new frame.
To replace a glass pane in your double-pane window, you'll need to remove the glazing clips or points that hold the window in place. Keep all the pieces you need to replace damaged glass panes. For other types of windows, you'll need to scrape off the old putty, and then reapply it with the new one.
Stained Glass
The tiny pieces of glass that make up stained glass windows are tough and fragile. A rough treatment, a collision with hard objects, or a sudden change in temperature could cause cracks and break the glass.
The good news is that if the piece of glass is broken, it may be repaired and free from the expense of replacement and removal of the panel. 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 challenging and time consuming. It is important to use an experienced professional who is familiar with the various repair techniques that are available and will select the most appropriate one for your specific task. The reversibility, strength and visual impact of each repair method will differ, and each one must be assessed on a case-by case basis.
Re-leading is among the most commonly used ways to repair cracked glass. A skilled craftsman will bend the soft ductile lead, known as came back into a shape to accommodate the crack. After the piece is bent, it is soldered into place and then cement is used to hold it in place. After window repair is dry, the crack can be polished, cleaned and sealed.
Another way to repair cracks in leaded glass is to spot a crack and then re-lead that piece of glass. This is a more labor-intensive and expensive process, however it can be effective. First, the broken piece of glass is removed and cleaned before being sanded to smooth the surface. Then pincers or a lead knife are used to take out the old lead and clean away any oxidation or mold growth. After the old lead is removed, the sanded glass surface is cleaned and the new lead is then soldered into place.
An alternative that is less expensive for repairing sagging stained glass is to include reinforcing bars to the window. These are rebar-like supports that are positioned across the interior side of the lead, and connect to the frame to help keep the glass from sagging. The bars are usually hidden behind decorative foiling, which makes them invisible.
Muntins or Mullions
The term "muntin" is a common term used by those who are familiar with windows. These vertical wood strips separate the panes of the traditional multi-paned windows. They are typically employed to create a more authentic appearance in homes built before the time of the Civil War and are sometimes required by city ordinances for construction or renovations in historical districts. Modern replacement windows typically utilize muntins to enhance the aesthetics of the window, not to ensure durability and strength. Muntins are still susceptible to deterioration and should be replaced if they become rotten or broken.
Many window companies today don't distinguish between mullions and muntins as they both serve the same purpose. These terms are often interchangeable however, if you're replacing your windows, it's crucial to know the distinctions so that you and your contractor can talk about the specifics of the work.
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 nearly impossible to make. The frames of modern windows are made of two glass units that are glued together. However, certain older kinds of windows do have mullions to provide support, and they are frequently used for aesthetic reasons.
If your mullions have signs of aging they can be repaired easily them by putting a dot or two of silicone on both sides of the muntin. Then press it into the frame. If you're replacing a horizontal mug, you might need to make use of a coping tool to cut away the old one and then spruce up the end using a file to fit into the mortise of the new horizontal muntin. In other cases, you can purchase a muntin that is slightly different from the original and it will blend perfectly.
Certain IGUs have both muntins (real mullions) and muntins (replicas) which are made inside the unit to provide effect. If you're having issues with these elements, then it's probably time to replace the window.
Frame
If you want to polish the frame, use a sanding pad with a fine grit. This will remove any stains or paint that have accumulated. Clean it with a dry cloth, and pay special attention to the corners of the mitered joints. If the joints have opened a bit then try closing them gently, and use some wood glue to hold them in place. You can also apply vinegar in these areas to break down old adhesive. However, you may need to test the vinegar on a few corners prior to applying it to the entire area.
If the loose corners are a problem you may be able to disassemble the whole frame to get at them, and follow the steps 3 through 8 to fix it. If the separation isn't too significant and is only on one side, you may be able to pry the joint a bit without disassembling it.
If the corners have completely fallen apart, you'll require needle-nose pliers and a flat surface, a small clamp and wood glue. If only the top and bottom corners have broken away, you can often hit 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 after the glue has dried. Be cautious not to place the nails too close to the corner, or you may weaken it. You can reinforce the corner with carpenter's glue and wood putty or a hammer.