Home Window Repair
Your home windows can be affected by a small pebble from your lawnmowers or a large glass top of the coffee table.
Fortunately, these problems can be solved on your own without calling for a professional. These quick fixes won't win you any beauty contests, but they'll keep your windows in top condition.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a powerful wind can damage the window panes, making you exposed to the elements. It's not as complicated as it may seem, and replacing just one pane is far less expensive than buying a new window. It is possible to replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily with just a few tools.
Before you begin your work, put on safety goggles and clean the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Clean the frame and get rid of any varnish or paint from the wood. Remove the saddle bars from a steel sash. Then, take a knife and slowly pry the trim away from the window frames. Be careful not to cut any lead that is on the glass, and be careful not to break it too much.
If you are using a brand new pane, it's best to have it cut in a hardware shop. This will ensure that the glass is of the correct size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual dimensions of the opening for the glass since wood expands and expands and contracts.
The majority of single pane windows are secured by a glaze putty and tiny metal clips referred to as glazier's point. Apply a generous amount of putty for glaziers to the frame of the wood around one side of the glass that has been broken. Press the glazier's point into the putty every six inches. This will help keep the window in place and permit you to reseal the frame later.
Before you apply any putty, moisten your fingers with linseed oil and then run it over the wood's surface. This will lubricate the putty and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty is limited in its shelf life and will dry out in time, so you should add the Linseed oil to the mix to extend its lifespan. Once the putty has been moistened, you can start fixing your window.
Broken Seals
Over time the rubber used to seal double-paned windows may be degraded. This could leave the window open to moisture, which can compromise its function and allows it to let in warm or cold humidity. The first sign of a faulty seal is fog or condensation between the two panes of glass. A noticeable difference in temperature between your home and outside home is a different indication. A leaky seal can cause your windows to appear hazy or blurred as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to restore your windows back to their original state. Fortunately, many modern double-paned windows come backed by warranties and can be replaced at no additional cost to homeowners.
If your windows are under warranty, you should avail this opportunity as soon as you can to save money on the cost of a full replacement. The warranty will cover labor and materials required to repair or replace windows.
While windows can be replaced at home However, the process is difficult and requires specialized tools. Calling a professional installer is the best option. They will take out, clean and reinstall your windows, while making sure that they are properly glazed, insulated and protect your home against cold air, moisture, and the scorching sun.
A window replacement can help you save money on your energy costs. Replacing old windows with new double pane windows will significantly reduce your cooling and heating costs. Furthermore, modern windows offer better insulation and create an environment that is more comfortable for your home. The only drawback of a window replacement is the initial cost, but this can be offset by the savings you will see on your electricity bills.
Sashes that won't slide open
A sash window that isn't able to open is more than an inconvenience - it could be a risk. The sash could close in a flash and damage anything on the sill, including children and pets. Fortunately, double-hung and single-hung windows have balance mechanisms that keep the sash upright and away from the jambs. The issue could be that the sash isn't connected to these mechanisms, or it could just need to be reset or relocked.
To fix this, begin by examining the window to check if it moves. If it isn't moving you can try putting an instrument on the rail between the upper and lower sashes meet to pry them apart. If the window is moving, remove the sash from the window and place it on a flat surface to reach the sides. If the spline of the sash appears to be loose in only a few spots it is possible to use a utility knife to cut the spline apart at the corners. If the spline is damaged or broken off entirely it is necessary to replace it.
If the sash remains stuck, it may be necessary to take off the front trim piece. There are special tools at hardware stores to assist you do this, however an ordinary putty knife could work. You'll also need to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels using your cutting tool and then remove screws that hold the stops in the frame. After this is done, you'll be able to lift the sash out of the frame and reposition it correctly.
If the sash stays stuck in the frame, the balance shoe could have fallen down to the bottom of the frame. Resetting this is easy by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame, then unscrew it. Fill upvc repairs with woodfiller or epoxy, and smooth them out prior to reinstalling channel. Relock the balance pin once the hinge channel is installed by moving it into the "U-position". Reposition the sash in a way that it aligns with the balance and check it again.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to a property. It comes in a variety of forms that include dry and wet rot. Both cases are caused by a combination moisture and fungus. Both wet and dried rot can be repaired. However, it is best to stop them at the source. Property owners should inspect for rot on areas that are susceptible to getting damp, such as outside window frames, timber beams, and basement subfloors. They should also inspect the for any gaps or cracks.
If a hole is discovered the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. After the wood has dried, it can be stained to match the surrounding. If you decide to use stain for wood, it's important to test the product on a small portion of the filler prior to applying. This will ensure that the stain doesn't alter color, corrode or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet decay is easy to identify because it usually has a musty smell similar to rotting soil. It's also softer and easier to feel than wood that is not infected. Dry rot however it can be difficult to recognize. This type of fungus attacks the cells of timber, causing them to disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot is more difficult to repair as it can get into the deeper levels. However, it is still able to be prevented by identifying the source of moisture and fixing it, like leaks or getting into damp. It is also crucial to clean your gutters to avoid water buildup that could cause leaks within your home or a flooded cellar.
The chance of rot can be minimized by keeping crawlspaces and basements dry and using dehumidifiers. They should also make sure to clean the sealant or caulking around doors and windows to stop water from entering into gaps. They should also replace any cracked or damaged timbers.