Home Window Repair
Your windows at home can be affected by a sandstone from your lawnmowers' plow or heavy glass on top of the coffee table.
These problems can be easily solved by you, without calling a professional. These easy fixes may not win you any beauty contests for your home, but they will keep your windows in top shape.
Broken Panes
A strong wind can break the window panes, making you vulnerable to the weather. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you think and is a less expensive option than purchasing an entirely new window or hiring an expert. With just a few tools and a keen attention to detail it is possible to replace the broken window pane quickly and effectively.
Wear safety glasses prior to when you begin. Clean the area around the glass window of glass fragments or glass chards. Take any paint or varnish from the frame of wood. Remove the saddle bars from a steel sash. Then, you can put on a knife and slowly remove the trim from the window frames. Be sure not to pierce the lead on the existing pane, and don't attempt to crack the glass itself too excessively.
If you're using a brand new pane, have it cut at a hardware store to ensure it's the correct size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual dimensions of the opening for the glass because wood expands and expands and contracts.
Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to hold the majority of single pane windows in place. Apply a generous amount putty for glaziers to the frame of wood around one side of the glass that has been broken. Press the glazier's point into putty every six inches. This will keep the window in position and allow you to reseal your frame later.
Linseed can be used to dampen your finger and then rub it across the wood surface prior to applying any putty. This will help to lubricate the glue and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty is limited in its shelf life and will dry out in time, so you should add the linseed oil to the mix to extend its life. Once the putty has a good amount of moisture and you are ready to begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
The rubber used to seal double paned windows can wear out over time. This leaves the window vulnerable to moisture, which can compromise its purpose and allowing it to let in cold or warm humidity. The first sign that the seal has been damaged is condensation or fog that forms between the two panes. Another indication is a difference in temperature of your home and the outside. A leaky seal can cause windows to appear hazy or appear distorted as the sealed gas escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to restore your windows back to their original condition. Fortunately, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors -paned windows come backed by warranties and can be replaced without cost to the homeowner.
If your windows are covered under warranty, you should take advantage of it as soon as you can. This will save you money on a total replacement. The warranty covers all costs for labor and materials to repair or replace your windows.
Although you can repair windows yourself, the process is complex and requires specialized tools. The best option is to hire an experienced window installer. They'll handle the removal, cleaning and reinstallation of your windows while making sure they're properly coated and insulated to shield your home from moisture, cold air and hot sun.
A window replacement could also help you save money on your energy bills. By replacing old windows with double paned ones you can cut down on your energy bills for cooling and heating. Furthermore, modern windows offer better insulation and create an environment that is more comfortable for your home. The only drawback to a window replacement is the upfront cost, but this can be offset by the long-term savings on your electric bills.
Sashes that won't open
A sash that won't open is more than just a nuisance. It can also be dangerous. The sash may close unexpectedly and damage anything that's on the sill, including pets and children. Double-hung and single-hung window designs include balancing mechanisms that keep the sash out of the jambs. The issue could be that the sash isn't connected to these mechanisms, or it might require a reset or relocked.
To fix this issue, begin by testing the window to determine if it is moving. If it doesn't, you can use a tool at the meeting rail (where the upper and lower sashes join together) to try to pull the two sashes off. If the window does move, take off the sash and place it on a surface to access the sides. If the sash's spline is loose in one or two places, you can employ a utility knife cut it apart at the corners. If the spline is damaged or torn away completely and is broken, you'll need to replace it.
If the sash remains stuck, it may be necessary to remove the front trim piece. Hardware stores sell special tools to do this. A putty blade will also be a good option. With your cutting tool, cut the seal of paint that covers the sash channels and remove any screws holding the stops in their place. After this is completed, 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 slid towards the bottom of the frame. It's simple to fix this: Mark the position of the hinge channel, then remove the screw. Fill the holes in the screws with wood filler or epoxy and scrape them smooth before installing the channel. Once the hinge channel is back in place, simply relock the balance pin by moving it up to the "U" position. Reposition the sash to ensure that it is aligned with the balance, and then verify the window.
Wood Rot
Wood rot isn't just an eyesore but it can also cause structural damage to your property. It can take many forms that include dry and wet rot. Both of these result from a combination of moisture and fungus. Both dry and wet rot can be repaired. However, it's best to stop the cause. Property owners should look for rot on areas that are at risk of becoming damp, such as windows outside as well as timber beams and basement subfloors. They should also check wood in any cracks or gaps.
If a hole has been discovered the hole should be cleaned using a water-resistant wood filler and then filled. Once the wood is dry, it can be stained to match the surrounding. It's important to test a stain on wood on a small part of the filler material before applying it. This will ensure that the stain does not alter color, corrode, or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easily detected by its musty smell that is similar to the smell of rotting soil. It's also more supple than timber that isn't affected and is therefore easier to feel it with your hand. Dry rot however, can be more difficult to identify. This kind of fungus attack the cells of timber, causing them to to break down and disintegrate.
Dry rot can be more difficult to repair as it can penetrate further. However, it can be prevented by finding the source of moisture and fixing it, for instance, a leak or penetrating damp. It is also beneficial to regularly clean gutters of blockages to prevent a accumulation of water that can lead to leaks in the house or a basement that's flooded.
Homeowners can also reduce the risk of decay by keeping windows open and utilizing a dehumidifier in crawl spaces and basements. They should also make sure to regularly clean the caulking or sealant around doors and windows to prevent water from getting into gaps. In addition, they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.