Home Window Repair
Your windows in your home could be affected by a pebble from your lawnmower or a heavy glass on top of the coffee table.
These problems can be easily solved by you, without calling a professional. These quick fixes won't win you any beauty contests, but they'll keep your windows in good condition.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a powerful wind can break your window panes, leaving you exposed to the elements. It's not as complicated as it may seem, and replacing just one pane is far less expensive than purchasing a new window. You can replace a damaged pane of glass quickly and easily with the use of a few tools.
Before you begin work begin, put on the safety glasses and clear the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Remove any varnish or paint from the wood frame. If you have a metal sash with saddle bars, remove them too. Then, take an utility knife and 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 badly.
If you're using a new pane, cut it at an hardware store to ensure it's the correct size. You must subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening in order to accommodate the glass. This is because wood expands and contracts.
Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to hold most single pane windows in place. Apply a generous amount of glazier's putty to the frame of the wood around one side of the glass that has been broken. Press the glazier's point into the putty every six inches. This will hold the window in position and allow you to reseal the frame later.
Linseed can be used to moisten your finger and then rub it across the wood surface before applying any putty. This will make the wood lubricated and the putty much easier to work with. Glazing putty has a limited shelf life and will dry out in time, so you should add some drops of Linseed oil to the mix to extend its lifespan. After the putty is dampened, you can begin repairing your window.
Broken Seals
Rubber used to seal double pane windows can wear out over time. This could leave the windows open to moisture, which compromises its purpose and allows it to let in cold or warm humidity. The first sign of a faulty seal is fog or condensation between the two glass panes. Another sign is a noticeable variation in the temperature between your home and the outside. A broken seal can cause windows to appear hazy or blurred 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 without cost to the homeowner.
If your windows are under warranty, you should avail this opportunity immediately to avoid the expense of a full replacement. The warranty will cover the labor and materials required to repair or replace windows.
While you can replace your windows by yourself however, the process is a bit complicated and requires special tools. The best option is to contact an experienced window installer. They'll take care of the removal, cleaning and installation of your windows, while making sure they're properly coated and insulated to shield your home from the effects of moisture, cold air and hot sun.
Window replacement can also save you money on your energy bills. Replacement of older windows with modern double pane windows will significantly cut your heating and cooling costs. Additionally, the newer windows feature higher insulation and offer a more comfortable home environment. The only drawback of replacing windows is the upfront cost, but this could be offset by the long-term savings on your electricity bills.
Sashes That Willn't Open
A sash that won't open is more than just an inconvenience. It could be a danger. The sash may close unexpectedly and damage anything that's on the sill, which includes pets and children. Single and double-hung window designs come with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash from the jambs. It could be that the sash has not been properly connected to the mechanisms or that it needs to be reset or relocked.
To fix this, start by examining the window and check if it moves. If it doesn't, employ a tool on the joint rail (where the upper and lower sashes join together) to try to pry the two sashes away. If the window does move, take off the sash and set it on a surface to reach the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in a few spots, you can use an utility knife to cut the spline apart at the corners. If the spline is damaged or torn away completely it is necessary to replace it.
If the sash is still stuck, it may be necessary to take off the front trim piece. There are tools specifically designed for this at hardware stores to assist you do this, however a putty knife will also help. You'll also have to cut the paint seal around the sash channels using your cutting tool and remove any screws that hold the stops in their place. After this, you can lift the sash from the frame and reposition the sash.
If the sash is still stuck, it's likely the balance shoe has slid towards the bottom of the frame. Resetting it is simple by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame, then unscrew it. Fill the screwholes with woodfiller or epoxy and smooth them out before reinstalling channel. Lock the balance pin after the hinge channel has been reinstated 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 decay isn't just an eye-sore; it can also cause serious structural damage to property. It comes in a variety of forms such as dry and wet rot. In both cases, the damage is caused by the combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry rots can be fixed but it's best to stop it at the source. Property owners should check for signs of rot on areas that are susceptible to getting damp, such as outside window frames, timber beams, and basement subfloors. They should also inspect wood wherever there are gaps and cracks.
If a hole is found, the area should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. When the wood is dry it can be stained to match its surroundings. It's important to test a wood stain on a small part of the filler material before applying it. This will ensure the stain doesn't change color, corrode, or alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to detect because it usually has an unpleasant smell that is like soil that has been rotting. It is also softer and more pliable than uninfected wood. Dry rot, on the other hand is more difficult to identify. This type of fungus attacks timber cells, causing them disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot is usually more difficult to repair than wet rot due to the fact that it can get deeper into the material. 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 regularly clear gutters of obstructions to avoid a accumulation of water that can cause leaks around the house or a flooded basement.
Homeowners can reduce the chance of decay by keeping windows open and utilizing a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces. They should also be sure to regularly clean the caulking or sealant around doors and windows to stop water from entering into gaps. Repair My Windows And Doors should also replace any cracked or damaged timbers.