Home Window Repair
Your home windows can be affected by a pebble from your lawnmowers' plow or heavy glass on the top of your coffee table.
Fortunately, these problems can often be fixed by yourself without having to call an expert. These easy fixes may not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they will keep your windows in good shape.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a powerful wind can damage the window panes, making you vulnerable to the weather. It's not as complicated as it seems, and replacing just one pane is much cheaper than purchasing a new window. With just a few tools and some careful care you can repair the broken window pane quickly and efficiently.
Wear safety glasses prior to when you begin. Clean the area around the glass window of any glass splinters or glass chards. Clean the frame and take off any old paint or varnish from the wood. Remove the saddle bars from a metal sash. Then with a utility knife, carefully pry away the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to pierce any lead on the existing glass and do not try to break it too much.
If you're using a brand new pane, have it cut at a hardware store to ensure the proper size. You must subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening to allow for the glass. This is because wood expands and contract.
Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to keep most single pane windows in place. Apply a large amount of glaziers putty around the broken glass on the wood frame. Press glazier's points into the putty around every six inches. This will hold the window in place and allow you to reseal the frame later.
Before you apply any putty, dampen your finger with linseed oil and then run it over the wood's surface. This will lubricate and make the putty easier to use. Glazing putty is a limiting product and will dry over time. Add a few drops of linseed to the mix to prolong its shelf-life. When the putty is dry and you are ready to begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
Over time, the rubber used to seal double-paned windows may be degraded. This makes the window more vulnerable to moisture, which can compromise its function and allowing it to let in warm or cold humidity. The first indication that a seal has broken is condensation or fog between the two panes. A noticeable difference in temperature between the outside and inside your home is another sign. A leaky seal can cause windows to appear hazy or distorted as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.
Window replacement is the only option for restoring your windows to their original state. Fortunately, most modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and can be replaced at no additional cost to homeowners.
If your windows are covered by warranty, you should take advantage of this option as soon as you can to avoid the expense of a full replacement. The warranty covers all labor and materials needed to repair or replace your windows.
Although you can replace windows yourself, the process is complex and requires specialized tools. The best solution is to hire a professional window installer. They'll take care of the cleaning, removal, and installation of your windows, while ensuring that they are properly coated and insulated to shield your home from moisture hot sun and cold air.
Window replacement can also save money on your energy bills. Replacing older windows with new double pane windows can dramatically cut your heating and cooling costs. Additionally, the newer windows feature superior insulation and provide a more comfortable home environment. The only drawback of replacing your windows is the upfront price, but this can be offset by the long-term savings on your electric bills.
Sashes that won't let you open
A sash window that isn't able to open poses more than just a nuisance - it can be dangerous. The sash could slam down in a sudden manner, causing damage to any item on the sill, including children and pets. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows have balanced mechanisms that keep the sash up and out of the way of the jambs. The issue could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to these mechanisms, or it could just need to be reset or relocked.
To fix this, start by testing the window to check if it moves. If it won't, use a tool on the joint rail (where the upper and lower sashes come together) to try to pull the two sashes off. If upvc windows repairs near me moves, remove the sash from the window and place it on an un-level surface to get at the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in just some places it is possible to employ a utility knife cut it apart at the corners. If the spline has been torn or completely broken, you'll need to replace it.
If the sash remains stuck, it might be necessary to take off the front trim piece. There are special tools in hardware stores that can help you do this, but a putty knife can work. You'll also need to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels with your cutting tool and remove any screws that hold the stops in their place. After this, you'll be able to remove the sash from the frame and move it to a new position.
If the sash is stuck, it's likely the balance shoe has moved to the bottom of the frame. It's simple to fix this way: mark the location of the hinge channel, then remove the screw. Fill the screw holes with epoxy or wood filler and scrape them flat before reinstalling the channel. Once the hinge channel is in place, you can lock the balance pin by advancing it to the "U" position. Reposition the sash so that it is aligned with the balance, and then check it again.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to a home. It comes in a variety of forms that include dry and wet rot. Both of these result from a combination of moisture and fungus. Dry and wet rots can be fixed but it's best to stop it at the source. Property owners should inspect for signs of rot on areas that are prone to getting damp, like windows outside, timber beams, and basement subfloors. It is also recommended to inspect the wood where there are cracks and gaps.
If a hole is found the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. When the wood is dry and dries, it can be stained to match its surroundings. It's important to test the stain on a small part of the filler material prior to applying it. This will ensure that the stain does not alter color, corrode, or otherwise alter the finished appearance of your woodwork.
Wet decay is easy to identify, as it often has an unpleasant smell that is similar to rotting soil. It's also less brittle than timber that isn't affected and is therefore easier to feel it with your fingers. Dry rot is harder to recognize. This type of fungus eats the wood cells, causing them to break down and disintegrate.
Dry rot is more difficult to repair as it can infiltrate deeper. However, it can still be prevented by finding the source of moisture and repairing it, for instance, a leak or perforating damp. It's also helpful to regularly clear gutters of blockages to prevent a buildup of water that could cause leaks around the home or a flooded basement.
Homeowners can also reduce the risk of rot by keeping windows closed and installing a dehumidifier into basements and crawl spaces. They should also be sure to clean the caulking or sealant around doors and windows to stop water from getting into gaps. They should also replace any cracked or damaged timbers.