Home Window Repair
Your windows in your home could be affected by a sandstone from your lawnmowers or a large glass top of the coffee table.
These issues can be solved by you, without having to call 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 good condition.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or heavy wind can break the window's pane, making your home vulnerable to the elements. It's not as difficult as it appears and replacing a single pane is much cheaper than purchasing a brand new window. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can replace a damaged pane of glass quickly and easily by using the use of a few tools.
Before you begin work begin, put on the safety glasses and clean the area around the window of glass splinters as well as glass chards. Remove any old paint or varnish from the wood frame. If you have a metal sash with saddle bars, remove them as well. Then, you can put on a utility knife and carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to pierce any lead in the existing glass and do not try to crack it too much.
If you are using a brand new pane, it is best to cut it in a shop for hardware. This will ensure that the glass is 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 substantial amount of glaziers ' putty on the broken glass on the frame of the wood. Press glazier's points into putty approximately every six inches. This will secure the window in position and allow you to seal your frame later.
Before applying any putty, moisten your fingers with linseed oil and rub it across the wood's surface. This will help lubricate the putty and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty is a limited product that will dry over time. Add a few drops of Linseed to the mix to prolong its shelf-life. Once the putty has been moistened, you can start fixing your window.
Broken Seals
As time passes, the rubber used to seal double-paned windows may break down. The window is then vulnerable to moisture, which can compromise its purpose and allowing it to let in warm or cold humidity. The first sign of a broken seal is condensation or fog between the two panes of glass. Another indication is a variation in the temperature between your home and the outside. A damaged seal could cause windows to appear hazy or blurred as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to get your windows back to their original condition. Modern double-paned windows come with warranties and can be replaced by homeowners at no extra cost.
If your windows are covered by warranty, you'll want to avail this opportunity as soon as possible to save 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 install windows by yourself, the process is complicated and requires specialized tools. The best choice is to hire a professional window installer. They will take out the old, clean and reinstall the windows, while making sure that they are properly glazed, insulated and protect your home from cold air, moisture, and the scorching sun.
A window replacement can help you save money on your energy bills. By replacing old windows with double paned ones will help you save on energy bills for cooling and heating. Furthermore, modern windows offer superior insulation and provide a more comfortable home environment. The only downside to the window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this can be offset by the savings you will 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 can be a risk. The sash may close in a flash and damage anything on the sill, which includes pets and children. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows are designed with balanced mechanisms which keep the sash in place and out of the way of the jambs. The issue could be that the sash isn't connected to these mechanisms, or it could require a reset or locked.
Start by testing if the window will move. If it doesn't move, try using a tool on the meeting rail between the upper and lower sashes meet to pry them apart. If the window is moving in any way, take the sash out of the window and place it on a flat surface to access the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in only a few spots, you can use an utility knife to cut the spline apart at the corners. If the spline has been torn or broken off entirely, you'll need to replace it.
If the sash remains stuck, you may have to remove the front stop trim piece. There are tools specifically designed for this at hardware stores to help you do this, however a putty knife can help. You'll also need to score the paint seal around the sash channels with your cutting tool and then remove screws that keep the stops in place. After this, you'll be able to remove the sash from the frame and move it to a new position.
If the sash remains stuck in the frame, the balance shoe could have fallen down to the bottom of the frame. It's simple to reset this: Mark the position of the hinge channel and unscrew. Fill the holes in the screws with wood filler or epoxy and scrape them flat before installing the channel. Relock the balance pin once the hinge channel is installed by putting it into the "U-position". Reposition the sash in a way that it aligns with the balance, and then test it again.
Wood Rot
Wood rot isn't just a nuisance; it can also cause serious structural damage to property. It can take many forms, including wet and dry rot. In both instances the damage is caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Dry and wet rots can be fixed, though they're best stopped at the source. 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 in any cracks or gaps.
If a hole is found the area should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. After the wood is dry it is then stained to match the surrounding material. If you are using stain for wood it is essential to test the product on a small patch of the filler prior to applying. This will ensure that the stain doesn't alter color, corrode, or otherwise alter the finished look of your woodwork.
Wet rot can be recognized by its musty odor, which is similar to that of rotting soil. It's also more supple than wood that isn't infected which makes it easier to feel with your fingers. Dry rot is more difficult to spot. This type of fungus eats the cells in timber which causes them to break down and then disintegrate.
Dry rot is more difficult to fix because it can get further. However, it is still able to be prevented by finding the source of moisture and repairing it, for instance, leaks or perforating damp. It is also important to clean your gutters to avoid the buildup of water that can cause leaks in your home or a flooded cellar.
Homeowners can also reduce the risk of decay by keeping windows open and utilizing a dehumidifier in crawl spaces and basements. They should also ensure to clean the caulking or sealant around windows and doors to prevent water from getting into gaps. Additionally they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.