Home Window Repair
A lawnmower's pebble or a large glass of wine set on a coffee table with a glass top or a cracked window are only a few issues that could affect your home windows.
These issues can be solved by you, without calling an expert. These quick fixes may 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 your window panes, leaving you exposed to the elements. It's not as difficult as it may seem and replacing a single pane is much cheaper than buying a new window. It is possible to replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily with just a few tools.
Wear safety goggles before you begin. Clean the area around the glass window to remove any glass splinters or glass chards. Clean the frame and take off any varnish or paint from the wood. Remove the saddle bars from the metal sash. Then using a utility knife, carefully pry away the trim from the window frames. Be sure not to pierce the lead on the existing pane, and don't attempt to crack the glass itself too excessively.
If you're using a new pane, you can have it cut at an hardware store to ensure the proper size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual size of the opening to the glass since wood expands and 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 wood around one side of the broken glass. Press the glazier's point into the putty every six inches. This will hold the window in position and allow you to reseal your frame later.
Before applying any type of putty, wet your finger with linseed oil and then run it over the wood's surface. This will help lubricate the putty and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty is limited in its shelf life and can dry out in time, so you should add a few drops of linseed oil to the mix to extend its lifespan. Once the putty has a good amount of moisture and you are ready to begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
Over time the rubber used to seal double-paned windows may be degraded. This can open the windows open to moisture, which can compromise its function and allows in warm or cold humidity. The first indication of a damaged seal is fog or condensation between the two glass panes. A noticeable temperature difference between the outside and inside your home is a different indication. A damaged seal could cause your windows to appear hazy or appear distorted as the sealed gas escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to bring your windows back to their original state. Modern double-paned windows come with warranties and can be easily replaced by the homeowner at no additional cost.
If your windows are under warranty, you should avail this benefit as soon as possible to avoid the expense of a complete replacement. The warranty will cover the labor and materials required to repair or replace windows.
While windows can be replaced on your own, the process is complicated and requires special tools. The best choice is to contact an expert window installer. They'll take care of the cleaning, removal, and the reinstallation of your windows, all while ensuring they are properly glazed and insulated to protect your home from moisture hot sun and cold air.
A window replacement could also help you save money on your energy costs. Replacing old windows with new double pane windows can significantly cut your heating and cooling costs. Furthermore, modern windows offer superior insulation and provide the most comfortable living space. The only downside of a window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this can be offset by the savings you'll be able to see on your electric bill over time.
Sashes that won't open
A sash window that won't open poses more than just an inconvenience - it could be a risk. The sash may close unexpectedly and damage anything that's on the sill, such as pets and children. Fortunately, double and single-hung windows are constructed with balancing mechanisms that keep the sash upright and away from the jambs. It could be that the sash is not been properly connected to the mechanism or it requires to be reset or locked.
Begin by determining whether the window will move. If it doesn't, employ a tool at the meeting rail (where the upper and lower sashes meet together) to try to pull the two sashes off. If the window does move, take off the sash and place it on a work surface to reach the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in a few places it is possible to employ a utility knife break it up at the corners. If the spline was damaged or torn away completely and is broken, you'll need to replace it.
If the sash remains stuck, it might be necessary to cut off the front trim piece. Hardware stores have tools for this. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can also work. You'll also need to cut the paint seal around the sash channels using your cutting tool and then remove screws that are holding the stops in place. After that, you can lift the sash from the frame and then reposition it.
If the sash remains stuck, it's likely the balance shoe has moved to the bottom of the frame. Resetting this is easy to mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame, then unscrew it. Fill the holes in the screws with wood filler or epoxy and then scrape them clean before installing the channel. Once the hinge channel is in place, just lock the balance pin by advancing it into the "U" position. Reposition the sash to align with the balance and test it again.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to the structure of a house. It takes several forms, including wet and dry rot. Both cases result from a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dried rot can be repaired. However, it's best to stop the cause. Property owners can look for the presence of rot in areas likely to get damp, such as outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. They should also examine the wood where there are gaps and cracks.
If a hole has been discovered it must be cleaned using an water-resistant wood filler then filled. Once the wood has dries it is then stained to match the surrounding material. 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 alter color, corrode, or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to detect, as it often has an unpleasant odor that is similar to soil that is rotting. It's also less brittle than timber that isn't affected which makes it easier to feel with your fingers. Dry rot however is more difficult to identify. This type of fungus eats the wood cells, causing them to break down and then disintegrate.
Dry rot is often more difficult to fix than wet rot because it can get deeper into the material. It can be prevented, however by identifying and repairing the source of moisture, for instance a leak or damp that is penetrating. It is also crucial to clean your gutters to avoid water buildup that could cause leaks within your home or a flooded cellar.
Homeowners can reduce the chance of rot by keeping windows open and utilizing a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces. To stop water from entering gaps, they must regularly clean the caulking and sealant around doors and windows. They must also replace any cracked or damaged timbers.