Home Window Repair
Your home windows can be affected by a pebble from your lawnmowers' plow or heavy glass that sits on the top of your coffee table.
Fortunately, these problems are often fixed at home without having to call for a professional. These quick fixes may not win you any beauty contests for your home, but they will keep your windows in good shape.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball or a strong wind can break the window's pane, making your home vulnerable to the elements. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you think and it's a cheaper fix than purchasing a new window or hiring a professional. You can replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily with the use of a few tools.
Wear safety glasses prior to when you begin. Clean the area around the glass window of any glass crystals or glass chards. Take any paint or varnish from the wood frame. Remove the saddle bars from a metal sash. Next, put on a knife and slowly remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful to not pierce the lead on the existing pane, and be careful not to break the glass too much.
If you are using a new pane, it's best to cut it in a shop 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 for the glass because wood expands and expands and contracts.
The majority of single pane windows are secured by glazing putty and small metal clips referred to as glazier's point. Apply a generous amount of glazier's putty to the frame of wood around one side of the broken glass. Press glazier's points into the putty about every six inches. This will secure the window in position and allow you to seal your frame later.
Before applying any putty, dampen your finger with linseed oils and run it across the wood's surface. This will make the wood lubricated and the putty much easier to use. Glazing putty is a limited product and will dry over time. Add a few drops of in linseed to prolong its shelf-life. Once the putty is moist and you are ready to begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
Rubber used to seal double pane windows can wear out over time. This can open the windows open to moisture, which compromises its function and allows in cold or warm air. The first sign of a faulty seal is condensation or fog between the two glass panes. A significant temperature difference between inside and outside your home is a different indication. Finally, a damaged seal can cause your windows to look hazy or blurred as the vacuum sealed argon gas escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to restore your windows back to their original condition. Thankfully, many modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and can be replaced without cost to homeowners.
When your windows are under warranty, you should avail this opportunity immediately to avoid the expense of a complete replacement. The warranty covers all work and materials required to repair or replace your windows.
While windows can be replaced on your own, the process is complicated and requires special tools. The best solution is to contact an experienced window installer. They'll take care of the cleaning, removal and reinstallation of your windows while ensuring they are properly coated and insulated to shield your home from the effects of moisture, hot sun and cold air.
A window replacement can help you save money on your energy costs. By replacing old windows with double paned ones you can cut down on your energy bills for cooling and heating. Additionally the insulation of modern windows is higher and they create the most comfortable living space in your home. The only downside of the window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this could be offset by the savings you'll see on your electricity bill in the future.
Sashes that won't open
A sash that doesn't open is more than just a nuisance. It could be a danger. The sash may fall down unexpectedly, damaging anything on the sill including pets and children. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows are designed with balance mechanisms that keep the sash up and out of the way of the jambs. It could be that the sash has not been properly connected to the mechanism or that it needs to be reset or locked.
To fix this, begin by testing the window to determine if it is moving. If it isn't moving then try using a tool on the meeting rail where the upper and lower sashes join to break them apart. If the window moves, remove the sash from the window and place it on an even surface to get at the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in a few places you can use a utility knife to cut it apart at the corners. If the spline was broken or torn and is broken, you'll need to replace it.
If the sash is stuck, you may need to take off the front stop trim piece. Hardware stores carry tools for this. A putty knife will also be a good option. Utilizing your cutting tool score the paint seal that surrounds the sash channels and remove any screws holding the stops in the frame. After this is completed you'll be able lift the sash off the frame and move it properly.
If the sash is still stuck, the balance shoe may have fallen to the bottom of the frame. upvc window repairs to reset this by marking the location of the hinge channel and remove the screw. Fill the holes in the screws with epoxy or wood filler and then scrape them clean before reinstalling the channel. Once the hinge channel is in place, just reset the balance pin by advancing 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 rot isn't just an eyesore It can also cause serious structural damage to a property. It comes in a variety of forms such as dry and wet rot. Both cases are caused by a combination moisture and fungus. Both wet and dried rots can be fixed. However, it is best to stop the cause. Property owners can check for rot in areas that are likely to become damp, like outside window frames, timber joists and basement subfloors. They should also inspect the for any gaps or cracks.
If there is a hole it must be cleaned using a water-resistant wood filler and then filled. When the wood is dry, it can be stained to match the surroundings. If you decide to use a wood stain it is essential to test the product on a small area 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 rot can be easily identified by its musty odor, which is similar to that of soil that is rotting. It is also soft and more pliable than wood that is uninfected. Dry rot however it can be difficult to identify. This type of fungus attacks wood cells, making them disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot can be more difficult to fix because it can penetrate deeper. However, it can still be prevented by identifying the source of moisture and fixing it, for instance, a leak or penetrating damp. It's also important to clean out gutters regularly of obstructions to prevent accumulation of water that could lead to leaks in the house or a flooded basement.
Homeowners can also reduce the chance of decay by keeping windows open and utilizing a dehumidifier in crawl spaces and basements. They should also be sure to clean the caulking or sealant around windows and doors to prevent water from entering into gaps. They must also replace any cracked or damaged timbers.