Home Window Repair
A pebble from the lawnmower or a large glass of wine placed on the glass-topped coffee table or a cracked window are only a few issues that could affect your home windows.
These issues can be easily solved by you, without having to call a professional. These simple fixes won't win your home any beauty contests, but they can keep your windows in good shape.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a strong wind can cause damage to your window panes, leaving you exposed to weather. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you think and it's a cheaper option than buying a new window or hiring an expert. With Repair My Windows And Doors and some care, you can replace the broken window pane quickly and effectively.
Wear safety glasses prior to when you begin. Clean the area around the glass window of glass fragments or glass chards. Clean the frame and take off any old paint or varnish from the wood. Remove the saddle bars from a steel sash. Then, take a utility knife and carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to cut any lead that is on the glass, and be careful not to crack it too much.
If you are using a brand new pane, it's best to cut it in a hardware shop. This will ensure that the glass is the right size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual size of the opening for the glass as wood expands and contracts.
The majority of single pane windows are secured by a glaze putty and tiny metal clips called glazier's points. Apply a generous amount of putty for glaziers to the wood frame around one side of the glass that has been broken. Press glazier's points into putty about every six inches. This will hold the window in place and allow you to seal your frame later.
Before applying any putty, dampen your finger with linseed oils and then run it over the surface of the wood. This will help to lubricate the glue and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty has a short shelf life and will dry out over time, so add some drops of linseed oil to the mix to extend its lifespan. When the putty is dry and you are ready to begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
The rubber used to seal double pane windows may wear away over time. This leaves the window vulnerable to moisture, compromising its purpose and allowing it to let in cold air or warm humidity. The first indication that a seal has broken is condensation or fog that forms between the two panes. A noticeable difference in temperature between the outside and inside your home is another sign. A broken seal will cause your windows to appear blurred or discolored as the vacuum-sealed gas argon escapes.
Window replacement is the only way for restoring your windows to their original state. Fortunately, many modern double-paned windows come backed by warranties and can be replaced without cost to homeowners.
If your windows are covered by warranty, make use of it whenever you can. This will save you money on a total replacement. The warranty will cover any labor and materials needed to repair or replace your windows.
While you can replace your windows at home however, the process is a bit complicated and requires special tools. Calling a professional installer is the best option. They will take out, clean and reinstall your windows, ensuring that they are properly glazed and insulated and protect your home against cold air, moisture, and hot sun.
Window replacement can also save you money on your energy bills. By replacing older windows with double paned ones, you can reduce your heating and cooling bills. Additionally the insulation of newer windows is better and they provide the most comfortable living space in your home. The only downside of the window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this can be offset by the savings you will see on your electricity bill in the future.
Sashes that won't slide open
A sash that isn't opening is more than just a nuisance. It can be a danger. The sash can slam shut unexpectedly and damage anything that's on the sill, which includes children and pets. Single and double-hung window designs include balancing mechanisms that keep the sash away from the jambs. The problem could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to these mechanisms, or it might just need to be reset or locked.
Begin by determining if the window moves. If it doesn't, employ a tool at the meeting rail (where the upper and lower sashes meet together) to try to pry the two sashes off. If the window moves and the sash is removed from the window and place it on a flat surface to reach the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in only one or two places it is possible to make use of a utility knife to cut it apart at the corners. If the spline has been broken or torn, you will need to replace it.
If the sash continues to be stuck, it might be necessary to cut off the front 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. With your cutting tool, score the seal of paint that covers the sash channels. Remove the screws that hold the stops in their place. After this, you'll be able to lift the sash from the frame and then reposition it.
If the sash is stuck, it's likely that the balance shoe has moved to the bottom of the frame. It's easy to reset it: Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame and unscrew it. Fill the screwholes with woodfiller or epoxy, and smooth them out prior to reinstalling channel. Lock the balance pin when the hinge channel has been reinstated by moving it into the "U-position". Reposition the sash until it is in alignment with the balance, and then test the window.
Wood Rot
Wood rot isn't just an eyesore but it can also cause serious structural damage to your property. Wet and dry rot are two of various types. Both cases result from a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry rots can be fixed however, it is best to stop them at the source. Property owners should check for rot on areas that are susceptible to becoming damp, such as outside window frames, timber beams, and basement subfloors. It is also recommended to inspect wood wherever there are gaps and cracks.
If a hole is discovered the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood has dries and is stained, it must be repainted to match the surrounding material. It's important to test a stain on wood on a small area of the filler material prior applying it. This will ensure that the stain won't change color, corrode or alter the final appearance of your woodwork.
Wet rot can be recognized by its musty odor, which is like that of soil that has rotten. It's also softer than uninfected timber which makes it easier to feel it with your fingers. Dry rot is more difficult to recognize. This type of fungus attacks wood cells, making them fragment and break down.
Dry rot is more difficult to fix because it can penetrate deeper. It can be prevented, however, by finding and repairing the source of moisture, like a penetrating damp or leak. It is also important to clean your gutters to avoid accumulation of water that could lead to leaks in your home or a flooded cellar.
The risk of rot could be reduced by keeping basements and crawlspaces dry and making use of dehumidifiers. They should also ensure to clean the caulking or sealant around doors and windows to stop water from entering into gaps. Additionally they should replace damaged or damaged timbers.