15 Things You Didn't Know About Window Repairs
Window Repairs You Shouldn't Ignore
If your window is not opening and closing smoothly, this could be a sign of an issue with the seal. The expansion or contraction caused by heat can destroy seals in double pane windows over time which allows dirt and moisture to enter.
Wood rot is also a problem in window sills and frames. Repairing the wood early with epoxy filler can prevent expensive repairs later.
Chips and cracks
A damaged window could be dangerous. It exposes the window to further breakage and moisture, which could lead to a problem with mold. Repair any chips and cracks as soon as you can to keep your windows intact and your family safe.
Pebbles, rocks, and even Dolichovespula Maculata seeds can break your windows. (No, that is not an actual plant. It's actually a bug.) But don't despair - these cracks can be repaired.
This repair technique works for single-pane household glass and double-pane windows, which have cracks only in one glass pane. It won't work for windshields that require a special tool to inject resin into the crack and create an air space between the glass layers.
Clean the area that will be repaired using glass cleaner. Make use of a thumbtack or pin to remove any loose glass fragments from the crack. You can also employ acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the surface and make sure that the repair material is adhered correctly.
Certain methods claim that a repaired crack is almost undetectable. This is true for certain kinds of repairs, but not for all, especially small cracks. Repairing these cracks can help prevent them from becoming larger problems, and they may even stop them from spreading.
If you do want an invisible crack, you can find an repair kit that makes use of a clear super glue to repair the damage. This kind of glue won't swell when it dries, so it won't exacerbate the crack. Make sure you go through the directions for the product you are using before making a decision.
You can cover a crack using clear nail polish for an interim solution. This will serve as an adhesive and slow down the progression of the chip or crack. However, it's essential to apply the polish a little bit outside the edges of the crack in order to avoid damaging the integrity of the windshield.
Sashes that don't move
Many older windows are difficult to open because of damaged or swollen wood or because the cords and balance mechanisms that move them up and down could break. Often, the problem is much simpler. It could be caused by dirt or other debris that has clogged the mechanisms. It could be that the mechanism needs to be lubricated or cleaned.
The first step is to take off the sash. This can be done using a putty blade and a bit of patience. Begin by scoring the paint between the jamb and sash stop, then carefully pry them apart. Be careful not to break the sash stop or jamb, and set the pieces aside to protect them.
After you have removed the sash, will have access to the pocket piece as well as the front window stops. They can be removed using an utility blade, and then lower the top sash until it is at the sill. The bottom sash may not be as difficult to move as the top, but getting it all the way down can be a problem. After you've brought the sash to the lowest point you can use a flathead screwdriver to reset and relock the balance shoe (the small box that is located at the bottom of your window) to be able to support the weight of the sash.
If the sash doesn't stay in place, you may have to replace either the balance system or the sash. It's typically simpler than you think to replace the balance system or sash since replacement parts are available from a variety of suppliers and aren't expensive. After you have replaced the balance system or sash, you can check the sash to determine whether it's working as intended.
One other issue that can make windows difficult to open is that the tilt pin for the sash has been removed or is snagged when cleaning. This is a simple repair if you're handy but it's best to only try this on older windows that are safe to take apart. If you're not an expert then you'll need to engage a professional with expertise with the type of window that you have.
Caps for windows repairs near me
If you're experiencing water infiltration around your window, it may be time to invest in a new drip cap. This L-shaped flashing piece goes over your window after it's put in but before siding is put in, and helps to direct water away from the frame. This simple project can help to prevent damage from moisture and help you save money on maintenance costs.
A dam at the end of your window cap flashing can also stop water from entering at the end of the trim. Simply use a pair Tin snips to make an elongated "flap" on both sides of the trim. This fold will stop rain from rushing down the ends of the flashing and into the wood framing.
You can also purchase drip caps from MS Windows and Doors that are already fabricated with an end dam included for you. These drip caps are available in a range of color options and can be added when you order your window.
When you're installing your new drip cap, be sure that you also install the head flashing beneath the sheathing over it. It's the same type of flashing that's used to create the j channel on your trim for the exterior. It is a good idea to skip tape all the length of the head flashing and only seal the corners.
The head flashing is cut at each corner at a 45-degree angle to create the appearance of a small flap. It is then folded down and skipped-taped again to the sheathing. This creates a small outlet for any water that might get through the WRB and into the house sheathing above the window.
Once you've secured the drip cap to the sheathing you can apply caulk along the top edge of the cap. This will prevent the moisture from getting into the wood of your housewrap or window sill as well as the siding over the window. Be aware that moisture could cause structural problems and wood rot, therefore it is best to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Sash Weights
A window's weights (also known as sash weights or sash lines) help to balance the sashes, and stop them from moving too much when you open them. The weights may need to be replaced or untangled in the event that they are tied. Counter balances might also need to be replaced.
Pam looks at the outside of the window first, to make sure there aren't any visible damage or rots that need to be dealt with prior to beginning the work. If there are visible signs of damage she'll need to do the necessary repairs prior to beginning the process of restoring the windows.
She begins by removing both the sash stops in the interior as well as the stopping points for the parting on each side of the window. To do this, you will be required to mark the paint line using a utility knife on both sides of the interior sash stops and then pull it away with an instrument made of wood. Pam says this step is crucial because if you attempt to pound the stops off with a mallet, it can crack or split them. She suggests using a small woodworking tool that has a small blade.
After the stops are removed, she's able to remove the sashes themselves. She removes the bottom sash first, then the top. Pam Lubricates the sash cords in order to make them move smoothly. When the sashes are untied she can pull the sash cord out and locate the metal hooks that connect to each sash weight. Most of the time, they're worn out and need to be replaced. Then, she takes one of the old sash weights from its pocket and inserts a new one.
She weighs the sash using a scale and check the weights. She replaces the old weight with one equal to the weight of the sash. She repeats the process for the second sash to make sure it's balanced. She uses a level after the sashes are re-installed to ensure they're level. She also is able to lubricate the cords to make them slide freely, and re-tightens the counter balance hooks.