So You've Bought Repairing Window ... Now What?

Tips For Repairing Window

Many windows require repair to ensure they open and shut correctly. If the seal is cracked and causes energy bills to rise or your home to feel drafty, fixing your window could save you money in the long term.

You can fix hinges that are stiff with a ratchet that will loosen the operator's cover or a bit of oil. Repairing a damaged or cracked window is also feasible for the DIYer.

Broken or cracked glass

It is crucial to address the problem as quickly as you can if windows are cracked or has glass that is broken. If you ignore the crack, it could become worse and cause airflow issues in your house. A professional can help if you're not sure of your ability to repair the crack on your own.

There are several ways to fix your window, based on the severity. The simplest solution is to cover the crack with clear tape. This will shield your family from being cut by glass shards while still allowing air and sunlight to flow through. You can take it one step further and use epoxy. This method is more labor intensive, but can result in the most attractive end product.

The first step is to clean the area around the crack. Dip a cotton rag into a mixture of soap and water and then gently scrub the cracked area. Once the window is dry, apply the epoxy according to the instructions on the package. Once the epoxy has hardened it is possible to make use of a putty knife scrape away any excess, and sand the surface to smooth it.

The most frequent type is a stress crack. The cracks typically begin at the edge of your window glass and extend throughout the pane. They are usually the result of temperature changes in your home, and can get worse over time.

For double-pane windows you'll have to replace the entire window if one pane breaks. They are composed of two parts which work as one unit. This is different from regular windows, which can be replaced by a new window frame.

To replace a pane of glass in a double-pane window you'll have to remove the glazing clips or points that keep the window in place. If you're replacing a broken pane, make sure you keep track of the pieces to be able to replace them in the future. You'll need to scrape the old putty off, and then apply the new one for windows of different types.

Stained Glass

The tiny pieces of glass that compose stained glass windows are hard and fragile. Glass can crack and broken by rough treatment, a collision with hard objects or the sudden change in temperature.

The good news is that if the piece of glass is damaged, it could be repairable and free from the expense of replacing the panel and removal. Experts in stained glass can repair the damage with a variety of techniques that include refoiling, releading or soldering. They can also paint or patina, or add new glass.

It can be challenging and time-consuming to repair or replace cracked stained glass. It is important to hire a professional who knows the various repair techniques and is able to select the best one for your particular project. The reversibility, strength and visual impact of each repair method will vary, so each one must be assessed on a case by case basis.

Re-leading is one of the most commonly used ways to repair cracked glass. A skilled craftsman will bend a piece of soft ductile lead, known as came back into shape to accommodate the glass repair crack. After the piece is bent, it can be placed in place and then cement is used to hold it in place. Once the new cement has dried, the crack can then be cleaned, polished and sealed.

Another method of repairing cracks in glass leaded is to spot cracks, and then re-lead the piece of glass. This is a costly and labor-intensive process, but it is efficient. The broken piece of glass is removed, cleaned and sanded down to smooth the surface. Then the lead knife or pincers are used to take out the lead that was previously there and clean off any oxidation or mold growth. After the lead has been removed, the sanded surface the glass is wiped down and then the new lead is cut to be a perfect fit with the damaged area before being soldered in place.

Reinforcing bars are a good addition to the window to fix stained glass that has sagged. This is a cheaper option. They are rebar-like support structures that are placed along the inside side of lead and join to frame to prevent sagging. Often times the bars can be hidden behind the decorative foiling making them invisible.

Muntins or Mullions

The term "muntin" is well-known to those who are familiar with windows. These wood strips in vertical form divide the panes of the traditional multi-paned windows. They are commonly employed to create a more authentic look in older homes and are sometimes required in city regulations for renovations or construction in historic districts. Modern replacement windows typically make use of muntins to improve the aesthetics of the window rather than for strength and stability. Muntins can still be susceptible to damage and can be replaced if they get damaged or rotten.

Many window companies today do not distinguish between muntins or mullions since they have the same function. They are frequently used interchangeably but if you're replacing your windows, you must know the distinction between them so 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 panes of glass together in a multi-pane arrangement. This was a necessity before the invention of glass manufacturing technology as larger pieces were almost impossible to manufacture. Nowadays, windows do not require mullions because the frames are constructed of two glass units and then glued to each other. Mullions are used in some older windows to provide support and are often used for aesthetic purposes.

If your mullions show signs of aging, you can easily repair them by applying a small bead of silicone on both sides of the muntin and then pressing it back into the frame. If you're replacing a horizontal muntin you might need to make use of a coping tool to remove the old piece and then shape the end by using a file so that it fits into the mortise of another horizontal muntin. If you wish to blend in, purchase a new muntin slightly different from the original.

Certain IGUs include muntins (real mullions) and muntins (replicas) that are constructed in the unit only for the purpose of. If you have a problem with these components it's likely that it's time to replace your window.

Frame

If you need to touch up the frame, use an sanding pad that has a fine grit. This will remove any stains or paint. Clean it again, using a dry cloth, paying particular attention to the corners of the mitered joints. Use wood glue to re-glue the joints if they have opened up. You can also apply vinegar to dissolve the old adhesive. However, you might prefer to test the vinegar on a few corners before applying it to all of them.

If the loose corners are a concern it is possible to disassemble the entire frame to access them, and then follow the steps 3 to 8 to resolve the issue. 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 disassembling it.

If the corners are utterly broken you'll need a small clamp, wood glue and needle-nosed pliers. If only the top and bottom corners are broken You can hammer the finishing nails (these are nails that are thin and the same size as a head) into the corner to to hold it in place once the glue has dried. Be cautious not to place the nails too close to the corner, as you could weaken the frame. You can reinforce the corner using carpenter's adhesive and wood putty or a hammer.