Is Technology Making Repairing Window Better Or Worse? Tips For Repairing Window

Many windows require repairs to ensure they open and shut correctly. If the seal is broken and causing energy bills to increase or your house to feel drafty, fixing your window can save money in the long in the long run.

Stiff hinges are often repaired by a small amount of oil or an ratchet tool that loosens the cover of the operator. DIYers can also repair cracks in glass.

Cracked or broken glass

If a window has broken or cracked glass, it's important to fix the issue as quickly as possible. If you do not address the crack, it could become worse and create airflow issues in your house. If you're not comfortable doing the repair by yourself, a professional can help.

There are several methods to repair your window depending on the severity of the crack. The simplest solution is to apply clear tape to the crack. This will keep your family members from being smashed by glass shards, but still allow sunlight and air to pass through the space. If you'd like taking it further, you can employ epoxy. This method is more labor intensive, but can result in an attractive final product.

First, you'll want to clean the area around the crack. Dip a cotton rag into a solution of soap and water, then gently clean the area that has cracked. After the window is dry then apply the epoxy according to the directions on the packaging. When the epoxy has cured it is possible to employ a putty knife to scrape away any excess, and smooth the surface by sanding it.

Stress cracks are the most common kind of crack that can be found in a home's window glass. They typically begin near the edges of the glass and meander through the pane. They're usually the result of temperature fluctuations in your home, and they can get worse over time.

If one pane of a double-pane window breaks then you'll need to replace the whole unit. This is because double-pane windows are sealed comprising two glass pieces that function as one. This is not like regular windows which can be replaced by an entirely new frame.

To replace a pane of glass in a double-pane windows, you'll need to remove the glazing clips or points that hold the window in place. Keep all the pieces you need to replace damaged glass panes. For other kinds of windows, you'll need to scrape off the old putty and then apply it again to the new pane.

Stained Glass

The delicate little pieces of glass that comprise stained glass windows are tough and fragile. Glass can crack and broken through rough treatment, impacting with hard objects or an abrupt temperature change.

Even if a bit of glass is broken it can be repaired and save the expense of taking and replacing the panel. Stained glass experts can employ various techniques to repair the damage, such as re-leading or re-foiling, painting or soldering, and adding new glass.

Replacing or repairing cracked stained glass can be a challenge and time consuming. It is essential to employ an expert who is knowledgeable of the various repair techniques and can select the most effective one for your project. Each repair method has its own strengths, reversibility, and visual effects. Therefore, each should be assessed separately.


Re-leading is an effective method to repair cracked leaded glass. A skilled craftsman can cut a strip of soft ductile lead, known as came, to size and then bend it to conform to the crack. Once the piece is bent it is then put in place with solder and cement is used to secure it. Once the new cement is dry, the crack can be polished, cleaned and sealed.

Another method to repair damaged leaded glass is by noting the crack, and then leading the glass piece again. This is a more labor intensive and expensive process, however it can be effective. The glass that has cracked is removed, cleaned, and sanded to smooth out the surface. Then the lead knife or pincers are used to cut off the lead that was previously there and clean off any oxidation or growth. After the lead is removed, the glass surface that has been sanded cleaned and the new lead is then soldered into the place.

Reinforcing bars are a good addition to the window to repair stained glass that is sagging. This is a less expensive solution. These are rebar like supports that run along the interior side of the lead and attach to the frame to keep the glass from sagging. Often times the bars can be hidden behind the foiling with decorative designs making them unnoticeable.

Muntins or Mullions

The term "muntin" is familiar to those who are familiar with windows. These wood strips that are vertical divide the panes of the traditional multi-paned windows. Typically, they're employed in older homes to preserve their authentic appearance and are often required by city ordinances for building or renovating in a historical district. Many modern replacement windows only use muntins to enhance the aesthetics of the window, rather than to ensure the strength and stability. However, they can get damaged and if they are broken or rotting, it is possible to replace them with fresh pieces.

Most window manufacturers today don't make the distinction between muntins and mullions since both serve the same purpose. window repair are frequently interchangeable however, if you're replacing your windows, it is essential to understand the distinctions so that you and your contractor can discuss the specifics of the work.

A mullion is the single vertical prop that holds panes of glass together in a multi-pane composition. This was a necessity prior to the advent of glass manufacturing technology because larger pieces were almost impossible to make. The frames of modern windows are constructed from two glass units that are glued together. Mullions are used in some older windows to give support and are also employed for aesthetic reasons.

If your mullions are showing signs of age, you can easily repair them by applying a small bead of silicone to both sides of the muntin, and then pressing it back into the frame. If you're replacing a horizontal part, you may need to use a copingsaw to remove the old muntin. Then, make the ends of the new muntin using a file. If not, you can simply buy a new muntin that is slightly different from the original and it will be perfectly matched.

Certain IGUs include muntins (real mullions) and muntins (replicas) that are built inside the unit for the purpose of. If you are experiencing problems with these components, it's probably time to replace the window.

Frame

If you have to touch up the frame, you can use an sanding pad that has a fine grit. This will eliminate any old paint or stains. Clean it up with a dry cloth, paying particular attention to the corners of the mitered joints. Apply wood glue to re-glue them in the event that they've opened. You can also use vinegar to dissolve the old glue in these areas, however you may need to test it on an area or two before putting it all over.

If the loose corners are a problem you should disassemble the whole frame to reach them and then follow the steps 3-8 to resolve the issue. However, if the gap is very slight and only on one side, you might be able to wiggle the joint a bit without removing it.

If the corners have completely come apart, you'll require needle-nose pliers and a flat surface, a small clamp, and wood glue. If only the top or bottom corners have broken away You can usually hit finishing nails (those are nails that are thin and are very similar to the size of the head) into the corner of the frame, to keep it securely in place after the glue has dried. Be careful not to place the nails too close to the corner, or you may weaken it. You can also reinforce the corner with carpenter's glue and a hammer, or wood putty.