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Should You Call a Window Repairman? Window repairman can help you save money with the latest, energy efficient window installation. But you should think about your budget and whether or not it's better to replace your old windows. The cost of replacing windows can be increased by problems like damaged frames or seals that fail. To decide when to employ a handyman, read more about the most frequent window issues. Broken or cracked panes A crack in your window's glass could be caused by a violent storm, a pebble that is taken off by a lawnmower or even a vase that is knocked over. Even if there's only one small crack, you should fix it quickly before it gets any worse or the glass is broken. Cracked windows can also be a safety hazard, as glass fragments can harm you or your family members. Repair a damaged window with clear tape, or an adhesive that is strong enough to hold the glass together. It's best to apply a two-part epoxy which is a resin as well as a hardener. Cover your flooring with cardboard or a dropcloth before applying the epoxy. First, take off the old pane of glass and clean it. You should also close off the area and inform your family not to enter the work zone until the job is completed. Put on protective glasses and gloves to avoid working with shattered glass fragments. Once the broken window is gone Remove any molding around the frame that's holding it in place and the glazing putty or glazing points that keep the glass in place. You can take out the glazing points by using pliers. Then, you apply a cross-patch of masking tape on the crack to prevent it from spreading or breaking. Apply a second layer of tape on both sides of the crack to increase strength and stability. For double-paned windows bad crack can compromise the gas layer that is between the panes and make your home less efficient in energy use. You can also put an aluminum sheet over the glass to create an insulation. This is the least-invasive way to repair a cracked glass pane. If you have more serious damage, such as a hole that is visible in both panes of the window, it's best to call an expert in window repair. They can assess the problem and suggest the best course of action for repairing your window. In certain situations, a new window may be required. In this instance the window expert can assist you in choosing the appropriate replacement and install it efficiently and economically. Water Damage Untreated leaks in windows can cause serious problems. Wood decay, water damage to walls and ceilings and mold are some of the issues that could occur. Peeling or stains from water on paint around or near the window are often the first signs of a leaky window. Puddles of water may form in the window. If you see these signs, it's important to call a window repairman as soon as possible. A repairman can help to determine the source of the leak and then make repairs to prevent it from occurring again in the future. Seals and caulking that have become damaged could allow water to enter the sill or frame. Window sills can be especially susceptible to moisture since they are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and rain. The water that seeps into the wood may cause rotting and cause serious structural damage to the home. Recaulking around the perimeter of a window is the most efficient method to fix a leaky window. This is a relatively simple job that most homeowners can do using a utility knife or caulking gun. It is best to begin on the exterior of the house and work your way up to the interior. A good quality exterior caulk will last a long time and be easy to clean and maintain. In more severe cases, a professional can replace the caulking or seals on the window or re-caulk it to stop water from entering the home. In some instances this might mean replacing the entire window or making other structural repairs to the structure or roof. A window repairman can also look over and fix a leaky window that's situated in a difficult-to-access location. This includes windows in upper floors, dormers, or on the roof of a home. While these types of windows aren't as common as a standard window but they're still a vital component to any home or business and need to be maintained properly. It's sometimes difficult to determine the cause of a leaky window and it's therefore important to look for other indicators of a problem like roof or siding leaks that could pass through joists and wall studs to reach the windows. Rotted Frames A frayed or damaged frame could expose your home to additional moisture, which can lead to damage to the wood. If left unchecked, rot can lead to mold growth, degrading insulation, and crumbling framing members which can compromise the structural integrity of your entire home. You may need to replace your entire window and frame set depending on the severity of rot. This can be costly however it is essential if the frame has significant decay or rot. If the damage is limited to a tiny part of the frame, a window repairman can fix the area with epoxy filler. Most home improvement centers carry this product. Make sure to wash and dry the affected area prior to applying the filler. It is also important to prepare the new area by applying a layer of epoxy consolidant to safeguard the repair and stop future decay. Apply the new filler using a putty blade when the wood is prepared. After the filler has been applied, you should shape it to be in line with the surrounding area and allow it to settle before sanding it. Then, you can paint and prime your window frame to complete the repair. Also, you should be looking for any rot around the window's frame. If you spot cracks or breaks, it is crucial to use caulk in order to fill in the gaps. This will prevent water from entering your home and causing damage. Before applying the caulk you should use your tape measure to get exact measurements of the rotted board. This will ensure that the new board is the right size. If your sash is stuck because of high moisture, you can try cleaning the channels of the sash using a wood chisel. You will also need a cleaner to remove the grime. Once the channel is cleaned, you can expand the grooves by inserting an sandpaper-like piece that is medium in size around an wooden block. Once the sash is loose, you can lubricate it with window wax. Muntins or Mullions Many homeowners are confused by the language used in window construction. upvc window repairs is normal. The terms “muntin” and “mullion” are similar, however they serve different purposes in window construction. A muntin (US) or glazing bar, (UK) is a secondary framing element that holds multiple panes of glass within one window sash, or door panel. It creates divisions within a window unit. They are typically decorative and can be seen in various architectural styles. Historically, the muntins were used to provide structural support to older buildings that were unable to support the weight of large windows. Today, they are largely decorative and can be found on replacement windows, doors and wood panels. If you examine a traditional window in Europe it's constructed with thin vertical dividers called muntins or mullins. The dividers, usually made of steel or wood, provide frames for the individual glass panes. Some dividers have grid-like designs. Muntins are mostly used as decorative elements, whereas the mullions are used for practical and aesthetic reasons. Mullions can provide distinct design to single-pane windows, and with the addition of hinges and tracks they can be transformed into casement windows that can be opened and closed. If a mullion or a muntin is damaged, it could impact the entire window structure. Often, the wall, siding and insulation around the window will require replacement. A professional window repairman with experience should inspect your window to determine if damage can be repaired, or if replacement windows are required. You can avoid unnecessary expenses and headaches by having a professional inspect the window and the surrounding area. Call a reputable window company like Renewal by Andersen ® of Rapid City, if you have any concerns regarding the condition of your windows. Our window experts are always ready to assist you!