Home Window Repair
A stray pebble from the lawnmower or a large glass of wine placed on the coffee table with a glass top or a cracked window are just a few problems that could be affecting your home windows.
Fortunately, these problems can be solved on your own without calling an expert. These simple fixes might not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they will keep your windows in top condition.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or heavy wind can damage the window's pane, making your home vulnerable to elements. It's not as complicated as it may seem and replacing a single pane is much cheaper than buying a new window. You can replace a damaged pane of glass quickly and easily with just a few tools.
Before you begin work begin, put on safety goggles and clean the area around the window of glass splinters as well as 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, using a utility blade and a hammer, carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to damage any lead in the existing glass and don't try to break it too much.
If you are using a brand new pane, it is best to cut it in a workshop for hardware. This will ensure that the glass is the proper size. Be sure to subtract 1/8 inch from the actual dimension of the opening to the glass since wood expands and expands and contracts.
Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to hold the majority of single pane windows in place. Apply a liberal amount of glazier's putty to the frame of wood around one side of the broken glass. Press the glazier's pointed into the putty every six inches. This will help keep the window in position and permit you to reseal the frame later.
Linseed can be used to dampen your fingers and then rub it across the wood surface before applying any putty. This will help lubricate the putty and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty is a limited product that will dry over time. Add a few drops of linseed to the mix to prolong its shelf-life. After the putty is moistened, you can start repairing your window.
Broken Seals
Rubber used to seal double pane windows may wear away over time. This leaves the window vulnerable to moisture, which can compromise its purpose and allowing it to let in cold air or warm humidity. The first indication of a damaged seal is condensation or fog between the two panes of glass. A noticeable temperature difference between the outside and inside your home is a different indication. A broken seal can cause windows to appear blurred or appear distorted as the sealed gas escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to bring your windows back to their original state. Thankfully, many modern double-paned windows come backed by warranties and can be replaced without cost to homeowners.
When your windows are under warranty, it is important to avail this benefit immediately to save on the cost of a complete replacement. The warranty covers the materials and labor required to repair or replace windows.
While you can install windows yourself, the process is complex and requires specialized tools. The best option is to contact a professional window installer. They will take out, clean and reinstall your windows, while ensuring that they are properly glazed, insulated, and shield your home from cold air, moisture, and hot sun.
A window replacement can help you save money on your energy bills. Replacing old windows with new double pane windows will significantly cut your heating and cooling costs. Furthermore, modern windows offer superior insulation and provide an environment that is more comfortable for your home. The only drawback to a window replacement is the initial cost, but this could be offset by the long-term savings on your electricity bill.
Sashes that won't slide open
A sash that won't open is more than just a nuisance. It could also be dangerous. The sash may fall down at any time, causing harm to any item on the sill, including pets and children. Single and double-hung window designs come with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash out of the jambs. The issue could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to these mechanisms, or it might just need to be reset or locked.
To fix this, begin by examining the window and see if it will move. If it doesn't, you can use a tool at the meeting rail (where the upper and lower sashes join together) to try to pull the two sashes away. If the window moves in any way, take the sash out of the window and place it on an un-level surface to access the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in just some places it is possible to use a utility knife to cut it in the corners. If the spline was torn off or completely broken it is necessary to replace it.
If upvc repair is stuck, you may have to remove the front stop trim piece. There are specific tools available at hardware stores to help you with this, but a putty knife can do the trick. Utilizing your cutting tool score the paint seal that encircles the sash channels and remove any screws that are holding the stops in the frame. After this is done, you'll be able to lift the sash out of the frame and reposition it in a proper way.
If the sash stays stuck in the frame, the balance shoe could have fallen down to the bottom of frame. Resetting it is simple by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame and unscrew it. Fill the screw holes with epoxy or wood filler and scrape them flat before reinstalling the channel. Relock the balance pin once the hinge channel is reinstalled by putting it into the "U-position". Reposition the sash so that it is aligned with the balance and try it again.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to a home. Wet and dry rot are two of the numerous forms. In both instances, the damage is caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Dry and wet decay can be treated, though they're best stopped at the source. Property owners should inspect for signs of rot on areas that are susceptible to getting damp, like windows outside, timber beams, and basement subfloors. They should also inspect the for cracks or gaps.
If a hole is discovered the area should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. After the wood has dried it is then stained to match the surrounding material. If you are using a wood stain it is important to test the product on a small portion of the filler prior to applying. This will ensure that the stain will not alter color, corrode or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet decay is easy to identify because it usually has an unpleasant odor that is similar to soil that is rotting. It is also soft and more comfortable to feel than wood that is uninfected. Dry rot however is more difficult to identify. This kind of fungus attack timber cells, causing them to break down and disintegrate.
Dry rot is more difficult to fix because it can penetrate further. It can be prevented, however by identifying and fixing the source of moisture, like a leak or damp that is penetrating. It's also important to regularly clear gutters of blockages to prevent a buildup of water that could cause leaks around the home or a basement that's flooded.
Homeowners can also lower the risk of decay by keeping windows open and utilizing a dehumidifier in crawl spaces and basements. To stop water from entering gaps, they should periodically clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. They must also replace any cracked or damaged timbers.