Home Window Repair
Your windows in your home could be affected by a small pebble from your lawnmower or a heavy glass that sits on the top of the coffee table.
These issues can be easily solved by you, without having to call a professional. These simple fixes might not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they'll keep your windows in top shape.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a strong wind can cause damage to the window panes, making you exposed to weather. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you think, and it's a much less expensive option than purchasing windows or hiring an expert. With a few simple tools and some care, you can replace the broken window pane quickly and effectively.
Before you begin your work, put on safety goggles and clear the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Take any varnish or paint from the frame of wood. If you have a metal sash with saddle bars, remove them too. Then, using a utility blade, carefully pry away the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to cut the lead of the current pane, and don't try to crack the glass itself too much.
If you're using a new pane, cut it at a hardware store to ensure it's the correct size. Be sure to subtract 1/8 inch from the actual dimensions of the opening to the glass because wood expands and contracts.
Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to keep most single pane windows in place. Apply a substantial amount of glaziers's putty to the broken glass on the wood frame. Press glazier's points into putty approximately every six inches. This will keep the window in position and allow you to reseal your frame later.
Before you apply any type of putty, wet your finger with linseed oils and rub it across the wood's surface. This will lubricate and make the putty much easier to use. Glazing putty is a limiting product that will dry over time. Add a few drops linseed to the mix to prolong its shelf life. When the putty is dry, you can begin repairing your window.
Broken Seals
The rubber used to seal double pane windows is prone to wear out over time. This makes the window more susceptible to moisture, which compromises its purpose and allowing it to let in cold air or warm humidity. The first indication that a seal is broken is condensation or fog between the two panes. Another indication is a difference in temperature between your home and the outside. A damaged seal could cause windows to appear cloudy or blurred as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to get your windows back to their original condition. Modern double-paned windows come with warranties and are easily replaced by homeowners at no extra cost.
If your windows are covered under warranty, you should take advantage of it as soon as you can. This will save you money on a total replacement. The warranty will cover any costs for labor and materials to repair or replace your windows.
While you can replace your windows on your own However, the process is difficult and requires special tools. The best option is to contact an expert window installer. They'll handle all of the cleaning, removal, and installation of your windows, while making sure they're properly glazed and insulated to protect 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 will significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. Plus, newer windows have higher insulation and offer an environment that is more comfortable for your home. The only drawback to 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 won't open is more than an inconvenience, it can be a risk. The sash could close in a flash and damage anything on the sill, which includes pets and children. Double-hung and single-hung window designs include balancing mechanisms that keep the sash from the jambs. The issue could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to these mechanisms, or it may simply need to be reset or relocked.
Begin by determining if the window will move. If it doesn't, employ a tool on the joint rail (where the upper and lower sashes come together) to try to break the two sashes away. If the window does move, take off the sash from the frame and set it on a work surface to access the sides. If the sash's spline is loose in one or two places it is possible to make use of a utility knife to break it up at the corners. If the spline was torn off or completely broken and is broken, you'll need to replace it.
If the sash is stuck, you may have to remove the front stop trim piece. There are tools specifically designed for this in hardware stores that can help you with this, but a putty knife will also work. You'll also need to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels using your cutting tool, and then remove any screws that are holding the stops in their place. After that, you can lift the sash from the frame and then reposition it.
If the sash is stuck, it's likely the balance shoe has moved to the bottom of the frame. It's easy to reset this: Mark the position of the hinge channel, then unscrew. Fill the screw holes with wood filler or epoxy and then scrape them clean before reinstalling the channel. Lock the balance pin after the hinge channel is reinstated by putting it into the "U-position". Reposition the sash to ensure that it is aligned with the balance, and then test the window.
Wood Rot
Wood decay isn't just an eye-sore; it can also cause serious structural damage to property. Dry and wet rot are just two of the numerous forms. In both cases, the damage is caused by a combination of moisture as well as fungus. Both wet and dried rot can be repaired. However, it's best to stop them at the source. Property owners can look for decay in areas that are likely to become damp, like outside window frames, timber joists and basement subfloors. They should also examine the for cracks or gaps.
If a hole has been discovered, it should be cleaned using an water-resistant wood filler then filled. After the wood has dried it is then stained to match the surrounding material. If you are using a wood stain, it's important to test the product on a small patch of the filler before applying. This will ensure that the stain does not alter color, corrode or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to spot because it usually has a musty smell similar to rotting soil. It's also more supple than uninfected timber, making it easier to feel it with your hand. Dry rot however is more difficult to identify. This kind of fungus attack the cells of timber, causing them to to break down and disintegrate.
RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can be more difficult to repair as it can infiltrate deeper. However, it is still able to be prevented by identifying the source of moisture and repairing it, like the presence of a leak or perforating damp. It is also important to clean regularly your gutters to prevent water buildup that could cause leaks in your home or a basement that has been flooded.
Homeowners can also lower the risk of rot by keeping windows open and installing a dehumidifier into basements and crawl spaces. To prevent water from entering gaps, they should regularly clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. Additionally they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.