Home Window Repair
A stray pebble from the lawnmower or a large drink set on the glass-topped coffee table, or a shattered window are just a few problems that could be affecting your home windows.
These issues can be repaired by you without the need to call a professional. These quick fixes won't win your home any beauty contests, but they will keep your windows in tip-top condition.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a strong wind can break your window panes, leaving you exposed to the elements. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you think and is a cheaper option than buying a new window or hiring a professional. With just a few tools and some careful care it is possible to replace a damaged window pane quickly and efficiently.
Wear safety goggles before you begin. Clean the area around the glass window of any glass splinters or glass chards. Remove any old paint or varnish from the frame of wood. Remove the saddle bars from the metal sash. Then using a utility knife, carefully pry away the trim from the window frames. Be careful to not pierce the lead of the current pane, and be careful not to crack the glass itself too excessively.
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 of the correct size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual dimensions 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 glazier's putty to the frame of the wood around one side of the broken glass. Press the glazier's point into the putty every six inches. This will help keep the window in position and allow 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 wood and make the putty much easier to use. Glazing putty is a limited product that will dry over time. Add a few drops linseed to the mix to prolong its shelf life. Once the putty has a good amount of moisture it is time to begin repairing your window.
Broken Seals
Rubber used to seal double paned windows may wear away over time. This makes the window more susceptible to moisture, which compromises its function and allowing in cold or warm humidity. The first sign that a seal is broken is condensation or fog that forms between the two panes. Another indication is a difference in temperature between your home and the outside. Finally, a damaged seal will cause your windows to appear hazy or discolored as the vacuum-sealed argon gas escapes.
Window replacement is the only option for restoring your windows to their original state. Modern double-paned windows come with warranties and can be easily replaced by homeowners at no extra cost.
If your windows are under warranty, you should avail this opportunity immediately to save money on the cost of a complete replacement. The warranty will cover any work and materials required to repair or replace your windows.
While you can replace your windows at home However, the process is difficult and requires specialized tools. The best option is to hire a professional window installer. They'll take care of the cleaning, removal and reinstallation of your windows while ensuring that they are properly sealed and glazed to protect your home from moisture, cold air and hot sun.
A window replacement could also help you save money on your energy costs. By replacing older windows with double paned windows will help you save on energy bills for cooling and heating. Plus, newer windows have higher insulation and offer a more comfortable home environment. The only downside of the window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this can be offset by the savings you will notice on your electricity bill in the future.
Sashes that won't slide open
A sash window that doesn't open poses more than just a nuisance - it can be a risk. The sash can slam shut suddenly and cause damage to anything on the sill, which includes children and pets. Fortunately, double and single-hung windows are designed with balancing mechanisms that keep the sash upright and out of the way of the jambs. It could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to the mechanism or it requires to be reset or relocked.
To fix this, start by examining the window to see if it will move. If it doesn't, you can use a tool at the meeting rail (where the upper and lower sashes meet together) to try to pull the two sashes apart. If the window does move, remove the sash and set it on a surface to get access to the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in only the smallest of places You can use a utility knife to cut the spline at the corners. If the spline was broken or torn and is broken, you'll need to replace it.
If the sash continues to be stuck, it might be necessary to take off the front trim piece. There are tools specifically designed for this at hardware stores to help you do this, however a putty knife can do the trick. You'll also need to score the seal of paint around the sash channels with your cutting tool, and then remove screws that keep the stops in place. Once this is done you'll be able to lift the sash off the frame and move it in a proper way.
If the sash is stuck, it's likely that the balance shoe has moved towards the bottom of the frame. It's easy to reset this by marking the location of the hinge channel, then remove the screw. Fill the screw holes with epoxy or wood filler and scrape them flat before reinstalling the channel. Lock the balance pin after the hinge channel is installed by putting it into the "U-position". Reposition the sash to ensure that it is aligned with the balance, and then check the window.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to a home. Wet and dry rot are two of many types. Both of these are caused by a combination moisture and fungus. Both wet and dried decay can be treated. However, it is best to stop them at the source. Property owners should check for rot on areas that are at risk of becoming damp, such as outside window frames as well as timber beams and basement subfloors. They should also examine the for gaps or cracks.
If there is a hole, it should be cleaned with an water-resistant wood filler then filled. After the wood has dried, it can be stained to match its surroundings. It is crucial to test the stain on a small part of the filler material before applying it. This will ensure that the stain will not alter color, corrode or alter the appearance of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easily identified by its musty odor that's similar to the smell of soil that has rotten. It is also soft and more comfortable to feel than wood that is not infected. Dry rot, on the other hand it can be difficult to recognize. This kind of fungus attack timber cells, causing them fragment and break down.
Dry rot is typically more difficult to fix than wet rot because it can penetrate deeper into the material. upvc window repair can be avoided, however by identifying and fixing the cause of moisture, for instance a leak or damp that is penetrating. It is also beneficial to regularly clear gutters of obstructions to prevent accumulation of water that could lead to leaks around the home or a basement that is flooded.
Homeowners can also reduce the risk of rot by keeping windows closed and using a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces. They should also ensure to regularly clean the caulking or sealant around windows and doors to stop water from entering gaps. They should also replace any cracked or damaged timbers.