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Tips For Repairing Window
A lot of windows require repair to ensure they are able to open and close properly. If the seal is damaged and is causing your energy bills to rise or your home to feel drafty, fixing your window could save you money in the long term.
Stiff hinges can often be repaired with a bit of oil or using a ratchet tool to loosen the cover of the operator. DIYers can also fix cracks in glass.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If your window is cracked or broken glass, it's important to take care of the issue as soon as you can. The crack may get worse if it's left unattended and can cause airflow issues within your home. If you're not confident in working on the fix yourself, a professional can help.
There are a variety of ways to repair your window depending on its severity. The most straightforward option is to apply clear tape to the crack. This will prevent your family members from being cut by shards of glass while still allowing air and sunlight to pass through the space. You can go one step further by using epoxy. This is a more labor-intensive process however, it can give an attractive finish.
The first step is to clean the area around the crack. Dip a cotton rag into the mixture of soap and water, then gently clean the crack. When the window is dry then apply the epoxy according to package instructions. Once the epoxy has hardened, you can make use of a putty knife scrape away any excess and smooth the surface by sanding it.
The most common type is the stress crack. These cracks usually start at the edge of the glass and spread throughout the pane. They are often a result of temperature changes in your home, and can get worse over time.
If one pane of a double-pane window is broken then you'll need to replace the whole unit. This is because double-pane windows are sealed comprising two glass pieces that work as one piece. This is different from regular windows, which are replaced with a new window frame.
To replace a pane of glass in a double-pane windows, you'll have to remove the glazing clips or points that hold the window in place. Keep all the pieces that you'll need to replace in damaged glass panes. For other kinds of windows, you'll need to scrape off the old putty and then apply it again to the new pane.
Stained Glass
The tiny pieces of glass used to make stained glass windows are fragile and brittle. 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 even if the piece of glass is damaged, it could be repairable and can be free from the expense of replacement and removal of the panel. Experts in stained glass can fix the damage using a variety of techniques, including releading or refoiling or soldering. They can also paint or patina the glass or add new glass.
Repairing or replacing damaged stained glass can be a challenge and time consuming. window repair is crucial to work with a professional with experience who is knowledgeable of the different repair techniques that are available and will pick the best one for your specific task. The reversibility, strength and visual effect of each repair method will vary, so each one should be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Re-leading is an effective method of repairing cracked lead glass. A skilled craftsman will bend the soft ductile lead, known as came, back into shape to match the crack. After the piece is bent, it is then soldered into place and then the cement is used to keep it in place. When the new cement is dry the crack can be cleaned, polished and sealed.
Another way to repair cracks in glass leaded is to spot cracks, and then re-lead that piece of glass. This is a time-consuming and costly procedure, but it can be effective. The broken piece of glass is removed and cleaned, then sanded to smooth the surface. Then pincers or a lead knife are used to take out the lead and wash off any oxidation or growth. After the lead has been removed the sanded glass surface is cleaned and the new lead is then soldered into the 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 run across the inside of the lead and attach to the frame to help prevent sagging. The bars are often hidden behind decorative foiling, which makes them unnoticeable.
Muntins or Mullions
The term "muntin" is well-known to people who are familiar with windows. These vertical wood strips separate the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. They are typically used in homes with historic architecture to preserve their authentic appearance and are often required by city ordinances for building or renovating in a historic district. Modern replacement windows typically use muntins to enhance the aesthetics of the window rather than for durability and strength. Muntins can still be susceptible to damage and may need to be replaced if they get rotten or broken.
Many window companies today don't even make the distinction between muntins and mullions since both are used for the same purpose. The terms are often used interchangeably but when you're replacing 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 horizontal support that holds several panes of tempered glass. It was needed prior to the development of glass manufacturing technology because larger pieces were nearly impossible to produce. Modern windows do not require mullions since the frames are constructed of two glass units that are glued to one another. However, older styles of windows have mullions to support the frame and are often used for aesthetic reasons.
If your mullions show signs of age they can be easily repaired them by applying a small 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 may need to use a copingsaw in order to remove the old muntin and then shape the end of the new muntin using the aid of a file. If you'd like to blend in, buy a new muntin slightly different from the original.
Some IGUs contain both muntins (real mullions) and muntins (replicas) that are constructed in the unit solely to provide effect. If you are experiencing problems with these elements, then it's time to replace the window.
Frame
If you want to polish the frame, use an sanding pad that has a fine grit. This will get rid of any old paint or stains. Use dry rags to clean it up. Pay special attention to the corners around the mitered joints. If they've opened a bit and you are unable to close them, try closing them gently and apply wood glue to keep them back together. You can also use vinegar to dissolve the old adhesive. However, you might need to test the vinegar on a few corners prior to applying it to the entire area.
If the corners are loose and a concern it is possible to disassemble the whole frame to get them in and then follow the steps 3-8 to address the issue. If the separation is slight and on one side, it could be possible to let the joint open a bit by wiggling.
If the corners have completely come apart, you will need needle-nose pliers, a flat surface, a small clamp and wood glue. If only the corners at the top and bottom are broken, you can hammer finishing nails (these are nails that are thin and a similar size to a head) into the corner to to hold it in place once the glue has dried. Make sure to not put the nails too close to the corner or you may weaken it. You can reinforce the corner with carpenter's adhesive and a hammer or wood putty.