Home Window Repair
A lawnmower's pebble, a heavy drink placed on the glass-topped coffee table, or a shattered window are just a few issues that could affect your home windows.
These issues can be easily repaired by you without having to call an expert. These simple fixes won't win your home any beauty contests, but they can keep your windows in tip-top condition.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or heavy wind can damage the window's pane, making your home vulnerable to elements. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you might think, and it's a much cheaper fix than purchasing a new window or hiring a professional. With just a few tools and some focus on the details you can repair the broken window pane quickly and efficiently.
Wear safety glasses before you begin. Clean the area around the glass window of glass fragments or glass chards. Clean the frame and take off any varnish or paint from the wood. If you have a sash made of metal with saddle bars, take them off. them too. Then, using a utility blade to carefully cut away the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to cut the lead on the existing pane, and don't try to break the glass too often.
If you are using a brand new pane, it is best to have it cut 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 dimensions of the opening to the glass as wood expands and contracts.
The majority of single pane windows are secured by glazing putty and small metal clips, referred to as glazier's points. Apply a large amount of glaziers's putty to the broken glass on the wood frame. Press the glazier's pointed into the putty every six inches. This will hold the window in place and allow you to seal the frame later.
Before applying any putty, dampen your fingers with linseed oil and then run it over the surface of the wood. This will help to lubricate the glue and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty has a short shelf life and can dry out in time, so you should add a few drops of Linseed oil to the mix to extend its life. Once the putty has a good amount of moisture, you can begin repairing your window.
Broken Seals
Rubber used to seal double pane windows can wear out over time. This leaves the window vulnerable to moisture, compromising its purpose and allowing in cold air or warm humidity. The first sign of a broken seal is fog or condensation between the two glass panes. Another sign is a noticeable difference in the temperature between your home and the outside. A broken seal can cause your windows to appear cloudy or distorted as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.
Window replacement is the only way to restore your windows to their original state. Many modern double-paned windows come with warranties and can be replaced by homeowners at no extra cost.
When your windows are under warranty, it is important to take advantage of this option as soon as possible to avoid the expense of a full replacement. The warranty will cover the labor and materials required to repair or replace windows.
Although you can repair windows yourself, the process is complex and requires specialized tools. The best choice is to call an experienced window installer. They'll take care of the cleaning, removal, 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 could also save money on your energy bills. By replacing old windows with double paned ones will help you save on heating and cooling bills. Plus, newer windows have higher insulation and offer the most comfortable living space. The only drawback to replacing windows is the initial cost. However, this can be offset with the savings you'll be able to see on your electric bill over time.
Sashes that won't slide open
A sash window that isn't able to open is more than an inconvenience - it could be a risk. The sash can fall down unexpectedly, damaging 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 away from the jambs. It could be that the sash has not been properly connected to the mechanism or it requires to be reset or relocked.
To fix this, start by examining the window and check if it moves. If it doesn't move then try using an instrument that is placed on the rail between the upper and lower sashes meet to pry them apart. If the window moves, remove the sash from the window and place it on an un-level surface to reach the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in some places, you can employ a utility knife cut it apart at the corners. If the spline has been damaged or torn away completely and is broken, you'll need to replace it.
If the sash is still stuck, you might need to take off the front stop trim piece. There are special tools in hardware stores that can help you do this, but a putty knife will also work. With your cutting tool, cut the seal of paint that covers the sash channels and remove any screws that are holding the stops in place. After this, you'll be able to remove the sash from its frame and move it to a new position.
If the sash remains stuck, the balance shoe may have fallen to the bottom of frame. Resetting this is easy to mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame and then remove it. Fill the screwholes with woodfiller or epoxy, and smooth them out prior to installing the channel. Once the hinge channel is in place, just relock the balance pin by advancing it to the "U" position. Reposition the sash in a way that it aligns with the balance, and then try it again.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to a home. It can take many forms that include dry and wet rot. In both instances, the damage is caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry decay can be treated, though they're best stopped at the source. Property owners can look for decay in areas that are likely to become damp, like outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. They should also examine the for any gaps or cracks.
If there is a hole the area should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. Once the wood is dry and dries, it can be stained to match the surrounding. If you are using stain for wood it is important to test the product on a small area of the filler prior to applying. This will ensure that the stain won't change color, corrode or otherwise alter the appearance of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to detect because it usually has a musty smell similar to rotting soil. It's also softer and more comfortable to feel than wood that is uninfected. Dry rot is harder to spot. This type of fungus eats the cells in timber and causes them to break down and then disintegrate.
Dry rot is more difficult to repair as it can get deeper. Repair My Windows And Doors can be prevented, however, by identifying and fixing the cause of moisture, like a penetrating damp or leak. It is also crucial to clean your gutters to avoid accumulation of water that could lead to leaks in your home or a basement that has been flooded.
Homeowners can also lower the risk of rot by keeping windows open and using a dehumidifier in crawl spaces and basements. To stop water from entering gaps, they must regularly clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. In addition they should replace damaged or damaged timbers.