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Tips For Repairing Window Many windows require repairs to ensure that they can open and close properly. If the seal is broken and is causing your energy bills to rise or your house to feel drafty, fixing your window can save money in the long term. Woodley window repairs can fix stiff hinges by using a ratchet to loosen the operator's cover or by applying a small amount of oil. DIYers can also repair damaged glass. Broken or cracked glass It is crucial to address the issue as soon as possible if a window is cracked or has broken glass. If you do not address the crack, it could become worse and cause airflow issues in your house. A professional can assist you if you're not sure of your ability to fix the crack by yourself. There are a variety of ways to fix your window depending on the severity. The simplest solution is to use clear tape to cover the crack. This will shield your family from being cut by glass shards, while still allowing sunlight and air to flow through. You can go a step further by using epoxy. This option is more labor intensive, but can result in an attractive final product. You'll first want to clean the crack. Dip a cotton rag into a solution of soap and water and then gently scrub the crack. Once the window is dry and the epoxy is applied, follow according to the instructions on the package. Once the epoxy has hardened, you can use a putty knife to scrape away any excess and smooth the surface by sanding it. Stress cracks are the most frequent type of crack in a window glass in a home. They usually begin at the edge of the glass and extend across the entire pane. They are typically caused by temperature fluctuations in your home, and can worsen over time. For double-pane windows, you'll need to replace the entire unit if one pane breaks. This is due to the fact that these windows are sealed comprising two glass pieces that work as one piece. 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 have to remove the glazing clips or points that secure the window. Keep track of the pieces you'll need to replace the broken glass pane. For other kinds of windows it is necessary scrape away the old putty and then apply it again to the new window. Stained Glass The delicate little pieces of glass that comprise stained glass windows are tough and fragile. Glass can be cracked and broken through rough treatment, hitting with hard objects or a sudden temperature change. The good news is that when the glass piece is broken, it may be repairable and can be saved from the high cost of replacing the panel and removal. Stained glass experts can employ various techniques to repair the damage such as re-leading or re-foiling, painting or platina, and adding new glass. Repairing or replacing damaged stained glass can be a challenge and time consuming. It is important to use a skilled professional who understands the different repair techniques that are available and can choose the best one for your specific task. Reversibility, strength, and visual effect of each repair technique will differ, and each one must be assessed on a case by case basis. Re-leading is an effective method to repair cracked leaded glass. A skilled craftsman will bend a piece of soft ductile lead, known as came, back into shape to accommodate the crack. After the piece is bent it is then soldered in place and cement is used to hold it in place. Once the new cement has dried, the crack can then be cleaned, polished and sealed. Another method of repairing cracks in leaded glass is to find a crack and then re-lead the piece of glass. This is a more labor-intensive and costly process, but it is a viable option. The broken piece of glass is removed, cleaned and sanded down to smooth the surface. The lead is then removed by using a lead knife or pincers. Any mold or oxidation can be eliminated using the lead knife. After the old lead has been removed, the sanded glass surface is cleaned and the new lead is welded into place. Reinforcing bars can be incorporated to the window in order to repair stained glass that has become sagging. This is a less costly option. These are rebar-like supports that run along the inner part of the lead and connect to the frame to prevent it from sliding. Sometimes, the bars can be hidden behind the foiling with decorative designs making them invisible. Muntins and Mullions People who are familiar with windows may be familiar with the term “muntin.” These vertical wood strips are used to separate panes of windows in traditional multi-pane windows. Typically, they are used in homes with historic architecture to maintain an authentic look and are sometimes required by city ordinances for building or renovating a historic district. However, many modern replacement windows use muntins for aesthetic purposes only rather than to add strength and stability to the sash. Muntins are still vulnerable to damage and may need to be replaced if they become rotten or broken. A lot of window companies today don't distinguish between mullions and muntins because they both serve the same purpose. These terms are often interchangeable however if you're replacing your windows, it is essential to understand the distinctions so that you and your contractor can talk about the specifics of the project. A mullion is a single vertical prop that holds the glass panes together in a multi-pane composition. This was a necessity before the invention of glass manufacturing technology as larger pieces were virtually impossible to make. The frames of windows of today are made of two glass units that are glued together. However, certain older kinds of windows do have mullions to provide support, and they are commonly used for aesthetic reasons. If your mullions show signs of aging they can be easily repaired 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 piece, you may need to use a copingsaw in order to remove the old muntin. Then, make the ends of the new muntin with the help of a file. If you want to blend in, you can purchase an entirely new muntin that is slightly different from the original. Some IGUs have real muntins and mullions which are integrated into the unit to provide effect only. If you have a problem with these components, it is likely time to replace your window. Frame If you have to touch up the frame, you can use an sanding pad that has a fine grit. This will remove any old paint or stains. Clean it with a dry cloth, and pay particular attention to the corners of the mitered joints. If these have popped open a bit, try to close them gently and apply wood glue to keep them together again. You can also use vinegar to dissolve the old adhesive. However, you may want to test the vinegar on a few corners prior to applying it to the entire area. If the loose corners are a problem you may be able to disassemble the frame in order to access them and then follow the steps 3 to 8 to solve the issue. If the separation is only small and only on one side, it could be possible to let the joint open a bit by wriggling. If the corners have completely come apart, you'll need needle-nose pliers, a flat surface, a small clamp, and wood glue. If only the corners at the top and bottom are broken, you can hammer finishing nail (these are thin nails with a similar size to a head) into the corner to help to hold it in place once the glue has dried. You should not place the nails too close to the corner, or you may weaken it. You can reinforce the corner using carpenter's adhesive and a hammer or wood putty.