Window Repairman 101: It's The Complete Guide For Beginners Should You Call a Window Repairman?

Window repair professionals can help you save on energy costs over time. However, you must take into consideration your budget and whether it's more beneficial to replace your old windows.

Problems with rotting frames as well as seals that fail can make it more expensive replacing your windows. To decide when to hire a handyman, learn more about the most frequent window problems.

Broken or cracked panes

A crack in your window's glass can be caused by a bad storm, a pebble that is thrown off a lawnmower, or even a vase knocked over. Even if the glass only has one tiny crack, it's important to repair it immediately before the crack gets worse and the glass breaks completely. Glass that has cracked is a safety risk, as it could cause your family members or you to get injured by fragments.

Repair a damaged window with clear tape, or an adhesive that is strong enough to hold the glass together. For large cracks it is best to use a two-part epoxy that contains an adhesive and a resin, such as a caulk. Cover your floor with cardboard or dropcloth prior to applying the epoxy.

First, take off the old pane of glass and scrub it clean. You should also secure the area and inform your family members to stay clear from the area until you're done. Wear safety gloves and gloves to avoid handling glass that has shattered.

After the broken window is gone Remove any molding around the frame that's keeping it in place, as well as the glazing putty, or glazing points that keep the glass in place. You can take out the glazing points by using pliers.

Apply a cross-patch masking tape over the crack next, to stop it from spreading. Apply a second layer on both sides of the crack to increase its strength and stability. A crack in a double-paned windows could compromise the gas between the panes and make your home less energy-efficient.

You can also use sheets of plastic to insulate glass. upvc window repair is the simplest method to repair a cracked glass pane. If you have more serious damage, such as a hole that is visible in both panes of the windows, it's best to call a window repairman. They will be able to assess the issue and suggest the best course of action to repair your window. In some cases the need for a new window might be necessary. In this situation the window repairman can assist you in selecting the right type of replacement for your home and install it in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

Water Damage

Window leaks that aren't treated can cause serious issues. These issues include water damage to ceilings and walls, and mold. In most instances, the first sign of a leaky window is water stains or peeling paint that appears in the vicinity of or around a window. Puddles of water can develop in the window.

If you notice these signs, it's important to contact a window repair professional as soon as you can. A repairman can help to identify the source of the leak and make repairs to prevent it from happening again in the future.

Seals and caulking that have deteriorated can allow water into the frame or sill. Since they are exposed to direct sunlight or rain windowsills are more susceptible to moisture. The water that seeps through the wood can cause rot or structural damage.

Recaulking around the window perimeter is the most effective way to repair a leaky window. Most homeowners can complete this task with a caulking gun or utility knife. Start with the exterior and begin to work your way towards the interior. A good exterior caulk will last for a long time and is easy to clean and maintain.

In more severe cases, a professional can replace the caulking or seals on the window or re-caulk it in order to keep water out of the home. In certain cases, this might need replacement of the entire window, or structural repairs to the roof or structure.

A window repairman should also be able to inspect and repair a leaky or difficult-to-reach window. This includes windows in upper floors, dormers, and on the roof of a house. These windows may not be as popular as traditional windows, however they are still essential to any home or office and should be maintained properly. It can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of a window that's leaky and it's therefore important to look for other signs of a problem like siding or roof leaks that may travel through wall studs and joists to reach the windows.

Rotted Frames

A frayed or damaged frame could expose your home to additional moisture, which could cause wood damage. If not addressed it can cause mold growth, deteriorating insulation and crumbling framing members which can compromise the structural integrity of your home's overall. Depending on the severity of rot, you may need to replace all of your frames and windows. It can be costly however, it is a necessity if there is significant decay and rot in the frame.

If the rot is limited to only part of the frame, a window repairman may be able of restoring the frame using epoxy filler. It is available at most home improvement stores. Make sure you clean and dry the affected area prior to applying the filler. You should also prepare the new area by applying a coat of epoxy consolidant in order to protect the repair and avoid any further rot. Apply the new filler with a putty blade when the wood is prepared. After applying the filler you can make it into a shape that matches its surroundings. Allow it to dry before sanding. You can then prime and paint the window frame to complete the repair.

It is also important to be aware of any rot in the wood sheathing that surrounds your window. If you notice cracks or breaks, it's crucial to use caulk in order to seal the gaps. This will prevent water from getting into your home and causing more damage. You should, however, use your tape measure before applying the caulk to obtain exact measurements of the boards that have rotted. This will ensure that the replacement board you purchase is the correct size.


If your sash is stuck because of high moisture it is possible to clean the sash channels with a wood chisel. You'll also need some cleaner. When the channel is cleaned it can be widened by inserting a piece medium sandpaper encased in a wood block into the grooves in which the sash binds. Once the sash has been loosened, you can lubricate with window wax.

Muntins and Mullions

Many homeowners are confused by the jargon used in window construction. This is understandable. The terms "muntin" and "mullion" are similar, but have distinct meanings in the field of window construction.

A muntin, also known as a glazing bar (UK) is a further framing element which holds multiple panes of glass in a single window or door panel. It creates divisions inside a window unit. They are typically decorative and are found in a variety of architectural styles.

Historically, muntins were made to provide structural support to outer walls of older buildings that weren't able to support the weight of large windows. They are mainly decorative and are often found on wood panels or replacement windows as well as doors and windows.

If you take a look at a traditional window in Europe you'll notice that it's made of thin, vertical dividers referred to as muntins or mullions. The dividers, typically made of metal or wood, serve as frames for the glass panes. Some dividers come with a grid design.

Muntins are primarily decorative elements, whereas mullions serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Mullions can give a unique appearance to single-pane windows. With the addition of track and hinges they can be turned into casement units that can be opened or closed.

If a mullion, or muntin, becomes damaged, it can impact the entire window structure. Often the wall, siding and the insulation around the window will also need to be replaced.

A qualified window repairman should inspect your window to determine if damage can be fixed, or if replacement windows are needed. You can avoid unnecessary expenses and headaches by having a professional look over the window and its surrounding area. If you have any concerns regarding the condition of your windows, contact a reputable window installation company like Renewal by Andersen(r) of Rapid City today. Our expert window specialists are happy to help!