Home Window Repair
Your home windows can be affected by a sandstone from your lawnmowers' plow or heavy glass that sits on the top of the coffee table.
Fortunately, these issues are often fixed at home without having to call an expert. These quick fixes may not win you any beauty contests for your home, but they will keep your windows in top condition.
Broken Panes
A stray ball or strong winds can cause damage to a window pane, leaving your home vulnerable to elements. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you think and it's a cheaper fix than purchasing an entirely new window or hiring a professional. You can replace a damaged pane of glass quickly and easily by using just a few tools.
Before you begin your work take off the safety glasses and clean the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Take any paint or varnish from the wood frame. Remove the saddle bars from a metal sash. Then with a utility knife and a hammer, carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to damage any lead that is on the glass and do not try to break it too badly.
If you're using a brand new pane, you can have it cut at an hardware store to ensure it's the correct 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.
Repair My Windows And Doors and glazing putty are used to keep the majority of single pane windows into place. Apply a substantial amount of glaziers putty around the broken glass on the wood frame. Press the glazier's point into putty every six inches. This will keep the window in place and allow you to reseal the frame later.
You can use linseed to dampen your finger and then run it across the wood surface before applying any putty. This will make the wood lubricated and the putty easier to use. Glazing putty has a limited shelf life and will dry out over time, so be sure to add the Linseed oil to extend its life. When the putty is dry and you are ready to begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
Rubber used to seal double paned windows can wear out over time. The window is then vulnerable to moisture, compromising its function and allowing in warm or cold humidity. The first indication that a seal has broken is fog or condensation between the two panes. A noticeable difference in temperature between the outside and inside your home is a further indication. A broken seal can cause your windows to appear blurred or discolored as the vacuum-sealed gas argon escapes.
Window replacement is the only way to bring your windows back to their original condition. Modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and are easily replaced by the homeowner at no additional cost.
If your windows are covered by warranty, avail the warranty whenever you can. This will save you money on a total replacement. The warranty will cover costs of labor and materials needed to repair or replace windows.
While you can install windows by yourself, the process is complex and requires special tools. Contacting a professional installer is the best option. They'll handle the cleaning, removal, and installation of your windows, while ensuring that they are properly sealed and glazed to protect your home from the effects of moisture, cold air and hot sun.
A window replacement could also help you save money on your energy costs. By replacing old windows with double paned ones you can cut down on your cooling and heating bills. Plus, the insulation of newer windows is better and provides the most comfortable living space in your home. The only drawback to replacing windows is the initial cost. However, this cost can be offset by the savings you'll see on your electricity bill over time.
Sashes That Willn't Open
A sash window that won't open poses more than just an inconvenience, it can be a risk. The sash may close suddenly and cause damage to anything on the sill, including pets and children. Fortunately, double-hung and single-hung windows are designed with balancing mechanisms which keep the sash in place and out of the way of the jambs. The issue could be that the sash isn't properly connected to these mechanisms, or it may just need to be reset or relocked.
Start by testing if the window will move. If it doesn't you can try putting an instrument that is placed on the rail where the lower and upper sashes meet to pull them apart. If the window does move, unhook the sash from the frame and set it on a work surface to access the sides. If the spline of the sash appears to be loose only in the smallest of places it is possible to use a utility knife to cut the spline apart at the corners. If the spline is damaged or completely broken it is necessary to replace it.
If the sash remains stuck, it might be necessary to cut off the front trim piece. There are tools specifically designed for this in hardware stores that can help you do this, but a putty knife will also do the trick. With your cutting tool, cut the paint seal that surrounds the sash channels and remove any screws that are holding the stops in their place. After that, you can remove the sash from its frame and move it to a new position.
If the sash remains stuck in the frame, the balance shoe could have slid down to the bottom of frame. It's simple to reset this: Mark the position 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 back in place, just relock the balance pin by moving it up into the "U" position. Reposition the sash so that it is in alignment with the balance, and then test the window.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to a property. It can take many forms that include dry and wet rot. Both of these result from a combination of moisture and fungus. Dry and wet rot can be repaired, though they're best stopped at the source. Property owners can check for rot in areas that are likely to get damp, like outside window frames, timber joists and basement subfloors. They should also check for any gaps or cracks.
If a hole is found the area should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood is dry and dries, it can be stained to match the surrounding. If you are using a wood stain, it's important to test the product on a small portion of the filler before applying. This will ensure the stain does not alter color, corrode or alter the appearance of your woodwork.
Wet decay is easy to identify and is often characterized by a musty smell similar to soil that is rotting. It is also softer and more comfortable to feel than wood that is not infected. Dry rot however it can be difficult to detect. This type of fungus eats the cells in timber which causes them to break down and disintegrate.
Dry rot can be more difficult to repair as it can penetrate deeper. However, it can be prevented by identifying the source of the moisture and fixing it, for instance, a leak or penetrating damp. It is also important to clean your gutters to prevent water buildup that could cause leaks in the home or in a cellar that is flooded.
The risk of rot could be reduced by keeping crawlspaces and basements dry and using dehumidifiers. They should also be sure to clean the sealant or caulking around windows and doors to stop water from getting into gaps. They must also replace any damaged or cracked timbers.