Home Window Repair
Your windows at home can be affected by a sandstone from your lawnmowers or a heavy glass that sits on the top of the coffee table.
Fortunately, these problems can often be fixed at home 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 top condition.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or heavy winds can cause damage to the window's pane, making your home vulnerable to the elements. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you think, and it's a much cheaper fix than purchasing a new window or hiring a professional. With a few simple tools and some focus on the details, you can replace a broken window pane in a short time and with efficiency.
Before you begin working, put on a pair of safety goggles and clean the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Clean the frame and take off any varnish or paint from the wood. If you have a sash made from metal with saddle bars, remove the saddle bars as well. Then, take a utility knife and carefully pry the trim away from the window frames. Be sure not to pierce the lead on the existing pane, and don't attempt to break the glass too much.
If you are using a brand new pane, it's best to have it cut in a workshop for hardware. This will ensure that the glass is of the correct size. You must subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening in order to accommodate the glass. This is because wood expands and contracts.
Most single pane windows are held in place by a glaze putty and tiny metal clips, referred to as glazier's points. Apply a generous amount of glazier's putty to the frame of wood around one side of the glass that has been broken. Press the glazier's point into the putty every six inches. This will keep the window in place and allow you to reseal your frame later.
Linseed can be used to moisten your finger and then run it across the wood surface prior to applying any putty. This will lubricate and make the putty more manageable to work with. Glazing putty is limited in its shelf life and can dry out over time, so be sure to add some drops of Linseed oil to extend its life. When the putty is dry it is time to begin repairing your window.
Broken Seals
The rubber used to seal double paned windows can wear out over time. This can open the windows open to moisture, which compromises its purpose and allows in warm or cold humidity. The first indication that a seal is broken is condensation or fog between the two panes. A noticeable difference in temperature between inside and outside your home is another sign. And finally, a broken seal will cause your windows to look hazy or distorted as the vacuum-sealed gas argon escapes.
Window replacement is the only way for restoring your windows to their original state. Fortunately, most modern double-paned windows come backed by warranties and can be replaced without cost to the homeowner.
If your windows are covered under warranty, avail the warranty whenever you can. This will save you money on a complete replacement. The warranty will cover the labor and materials required to repair or replace windows.
While you can replace your windows by yourself however, the process is a bit complicated and requires special tools. Calling a professional installer is the best option. They will take out and clean your windows, ensuring that they are properly glazed, insulated, and protect your home from moisture, cold air, and hot sun.
A window replacement can also help you save money on your energy costs. Replacing older windows with new double pane windows will significantly reduce your cooling and heating costs. Furthermore, modern windows offer superior insulation and provide the most comfortable living space. The only drawback to a window replacement is the upfront price, but this can be offset by the long-term savings on your electricity bills.
Sashes That Willn't Open
A sash that isn't opening is more than just an inconvenience. It could be a danger. The sash may fall down at any time, causing harm to anything on the sill including children and pets. Fortunately, double and single-hung windows have balance mechanisms that keep the sash upright and away from the jambs. The issue could be that the sash isn't connected to these mechanisms, or it may just need to be reset or relocked.
Begin by determining if the window will move. If it doesn't, you can use an instrument at the junction rail (where the upper and lower sashes come together) to try to break the two sashes apart. If the window does move, remove the sash from the frame and set it on a work surface to reach the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose only in some spots, you can use an utility knife to cut the spline apart at the corners. If the spline is torn or broken completely and you need to replace it.
If the sash is still stuck, you may need to take off the front stop trim piece. There are special tools at hardware stores to help you do this, but an ordinary putty knife could help. Utilizing your cutting tool score the paint seal that surrounds the sash channels. Remove any screws holding the stops in the frame. After this, you'll be able to lift the sash from the frame and reposition the sash.
If the sash is stuck, it's likely the balance shoe has slid towards the bottom of the frame. It's simple to reset this: Mark the position of the hinge channel, then unscrew. Fill the screw holes with woodfiller or epoxy, and smooth them before reinstalling channel. Lock the balance pin when the hinge channel has been installed by moving 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 a home. It takes several forms, including wet and dry rot. Both cases result from a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry decay can be treated however, it is best to stop them at the source. Property owners should look for signs of rot on areas that are susceptible to becoming damp, such as windows outside as well as timber beams and basement subfloors. They should also inspect the wood where there are gaps and cracks.
If a hole has been discovered the hole should be cleaned with a water-resistant wood filler and then filled. Once the wood is dry it can be stained to match its surroundings. If you are using a wood stain, it's important to test the product on a small area of the filler prior to applying. This will ensure the stain does not change color, corrode, or alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet decay is easy to identify, as it often has an unpleasant smell that is similar to rotting soil. It's also more supple than uninfected timber, making it easier to feel with your hand. Dry rot is more difficult to recognize. This type of fungus attacks the cells of timber, causing them to fragment and break down.
Dry rot is often more difficult to repair than wet rot, because it can penetrate deeper into the material. However, it can be prevented by identifying the source of the moisture and fixing it, such as a leak or perforating damp. It is also beneficial to regularly clear gutters of blockages to prevent a buildup of water that could cause leaks around the home or a basement that's flooded.
The risk of rot could be minimized by keeping basements and crawlspaces dry and by using dehumidifiers. To prevent Repair My Windows And Doors from entering gaps, they must regularly clean the caulking and sealant around doors and windows. They should also replace any damaged or cracked timbers.