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Should You Call a Window Repairman? Window repair professionals can help you save on energy costs over time. But you need to think about your budget and whether or not it's better to replace your windows. Issues such as rotting frames or seals that fail can raise the cost of replacing your windows. To decide when to employ a handyman, learn more about the most common window problems. Broken or cracked panes A storm that is severe or a stray pebble by a mower or a vase which is thrown over can cause a crack in your window glass. Even if the glass only has one small crack, you must fix it right away before the crack gets worse and the glass cracks completely. Broken windows can also pose an accident hazard since glass shards could cause injury to you or your family members. You can repair a cracked window using clear tape or an adhesive that is strong enough to keep the glass in place. It's best to use a two-part epoxy, which is a resin as well as an hardener. Cover your floor with cardboard or a dropcloth before applying the epoxy. First, take off the old glass pane and scrub it. You should also cordon off the area and tell your family members to stay away from the work area until you finish. Wear gloves and safety glasses to avoid working with shattered glass fragments. After the window has been removed, take off the molding that holds it in the place. Also, remove the glazing putty as well as the glazing points that support the glass. It is usually possible to take off the glazing points using pliers. Then, apply a cross-patch of masking tape across the crack to stop it from spreading or shattering. Apply a second layer of tape on both sides of the crack to increase its strength and stability. For double-paned windows, a bad crack can compromise the gas layer that is between the panes, making your home less energy efficient. You can also place an aluminum sheet over the glass to provide insulation. This is the least invasive method to repair a damaged pane of glass. For more serious damage such as a gap between the panes of the windows, it's best to call a window repairman. They can evaluate the issue and recommend the best course of action to repair your window. In certain situations, it may be required to replace the window. In this situation, a window technician can help you select the appropriate replacement and install it quickly and cost-effectively. Water Damage Over time, windows may develop leaks that if left untreated could cause serious problems. Wood rot, water damage on ceilings and walls, and mold are some of the issues that may occur. Peeling or water-based paint around or near the window are often the first signs of leaky windows. The issue could be spotted by puddles of water forming underneath the window. If you spot these signs, it's crucial to contact a window repair professional immediately. A window repairman can help identify the source of the leak and repair it to stop it from happening again in the near future. Leaking windows are often caused by the degeneration of seals and caulking that could allow water to get into the frame or sill. Since they are exposed to direct sunlight or rain windows are especially vulnerable to moisture. upvc window repairs near me that leaks into the wood can cause rotting and cause severe structural damage to the home. Recaulking around the perimeter of a window is the most effective way to fix a leaky windows. This is a fairly easy task that homeowners can do with a utility knife or caulking gun. Start with the exterior and move towards the interior. A good exterior caulk can last a long time and be easy to clean and maintain. In more serious instances an experienced window repairman can repair the caulking and seals or completely re-caulk the window to prevent water from entering the home. In some instances it may be necessary to replace the entire window, or other structural repairs to the structure or roof. A window repairman can inspect and make repairs to a leaky window that's located in an area that is difficult to reach. This includes windows in upper floors, dormers, or on the roof of a home. While these types of windows are not as common as standard windows, they're still an essential component of any business or home and need to be maintained in a timely manner. It's often difficult to determine the source of a leaky window, so it's important to look for other indications of a problem, such as siding or roof leaks that can travel down through wall studs and joists to reach windows. Frames that are Rotted A rotten frame can expose your home to more moisture, which could cause damage to the wood. If it is not treated the rot could lead to mold growth, weakening insulation and framing members that are crumbling which could compromise the strength of your entire house. Depending on the severity of the rot, you may need to replace all of your frames and windows. It can be costly, but it is necessary in the case of significant rot and decay in the frame. If the rot is restricted to only part of the frame the window repairman may be able to restore the area using epoxy filler. This is available at most home improvement centers. Be sure to clean and dry the affected area prior to applying the filler. Applying one or two coats of epoxy consolidant can protect the repair from decay and also help prevent. Apply the new filler with a putty knife once the wood is ready. Once the filler has been applied, you should shape it to be in line with the surrounding area. You should allow it to set before sanding it down. Then, prime and paint the window frame to complete the repair. You should also be aware of any rot in the sheathing of your window. If you spot cracks or breaks, it is essential to use caulk to close the gaps. This will stop water from entering your house and causing further damage. Before applying the caulk, however, you must use your tape measure to get exact measurements of the board that has rotted. This will ensure that the new board is the correct size. If your sash is stuck due to high humidity, you might be able to unblock it by cleaning the sash channel using the help of a wood chisel as well as grime remover. Once the channel has been cleaned, you can widen the grooves by putting in a medium sandpaper piece wrapped around the block of wood. Once the sash has been loose, you can lubricate it with window wax. Mullions or Muntins Some homeowners are confused by the jargon that is used in window construction, and it's right so. The terms “mullion” and “muntin” are similar, but they, serve different purposes when it comes to window construction. A muntin (US) or glazing bar (UK) is a second framing element that holds multiple panes of glass within the same window sash or door panel, and creates divisions within the window unit. They are typically decorative and can be seen in various architectural styles. Historically, muntins were created to provide structural support to outer walls of older buildings that couldn't carry the weight of large windows. Today, they're mostly decorative and can be seen on replacement windows, doors and wood panels. If you take a look at a traditional window in Europe you'll see that it's constructed with thin, vertical dividers that are referred to as muntins or mullions. The dividers, which are typically made of metal or wood, create frames for the individual glass panes. Some dividers might even have grid patterns. While muntins are largely decorative, mullions can be used to serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. Mullions can give 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. When a mullion or muntin or other window component is damaged, the entire structure of the window may be affected. Often the wall, siding, and the insulation around the window will require replacement. A qualified window repairman will inspect your window to determine if damage can be fixed, or if a new window is required. You can save yourself unnecessary costs and headaches by having a professional look over the window and its surrounding area. Contact a reputable window service such as 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!