Home Window Repair
Your home windows can be affected by a sandstone from your lawnmowers' plow or heavy glass on the top of the coffee table.
These issues can be easily solved by you, without calling a professional. These quick fixes may not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they'll keep your windows in top shape.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or heavy wind can damage windows, leaving your home vulnerable to the elements. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you think and it's a cheaper fix than purchasing windows or hiring a professional. You can replace a damaged pane of glass quickly and easily using the use of a few tools.
Before you begin work take off the safety glasses and clear the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Remove any old varnish or paint from the frame of wood. Remove the saddle bars from a metal sash. Then, using a utility blade and a hammer, carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful to not pierce the lead on the existing pane, and be careful not to crack the glass itself too much.
If you are using a new pane, it's best to cut it in a hardware shop. This will ensure that the glass is the proper size. Be sure to subtract 1/8 inch from the actual dimension of the opening for the glass as wood expands and contracts.
Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to hold the majority of single pane windows into place. Apply a generous amount of glaziers's putty to the broken glass on the frame of the wood. Press glazier's points into the putty approximately every six inches. This will hold the window in place and permit you to reseal the frame later.
Before applying any putty, dampen your finger with linseed oil and run it across the surface of the wood. This will lubricate and make the putty easier to work with. Glazing putty has a limited shelf life and will dry out in time, so you should add a few drops of Linseed oil to prolong its life. After the putty is dampened, you can begin repairing your window.
Broken Seals
Over time the rubber used to seal double-paned windows can break down. This can open the windows open to moisture, which impedes its function and allows in cold or warm air. The first sign of a faulty seal is condensation or fog between the two panes of glass. A noticeable temperature difference between the outside and inside your home is another sign. Finally, a damaged seal can cause your windows to appear blurred or distorted as the vacuum-sealed argon gas escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to get your windows back to their original condition. Thankfully, many modern double-paned windows are backed by warranties and can be replaced at no additional cost to the homeowner.
If your windows are covered by warranty, you should make use of it whenever you can. This will save you money on a complete replacement. The warranty covers all work and materials required to repair or replace your windows.
While windows can be replaced on your own however, the process is a bit complicated and requires special tools. The best choice is to call an experienced window installer. They'll handle the cleaning, removal and the reinstallation of your windows, all while ensuring they are properly coated and insulated to shield your home from moisture hot sun and cold air.
A window replacement can help you save money on your energy costs. Replacing old windows with new double pane windows can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. Additionally, the newer windows feature higher insulation and offer an environment that is more comfortable for your home. The only downside of replacing windows is the initial cost. However, this could be offset by the savings you will notice on your electricity bill in the future.
Sashes that won't let you open
A sash that isn't opening is more than just an inconvenience. It could also be a risk. The sash could slam down in a sudden manner, causing damage to anything on the sill including pets and children. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows have balance mechanisms which keep the sash in place and out of the way of the jambs. The problem could be that the sash isn't connected to these mechanisms, or it may just need to be reset or locked.
To fix this, start by examining the window and check if it moves. If it won't, use an instrument at the junction rail (where the upper and lower sashes meet together) to try to break the two sashes away. If the window does move, remove the sash and place it on a 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 at the corners. If the spline is torn or broken off entirely and you need to replace it.
If the sash continues to be stuck, it could be necessary to remove the front trim piece. There are special tools at hardware stores to assist you do this, however a putty knife can do the trick. You'll also need to cut the paint seal around the sash channels with your cutting tool and remove screws that hold the stops in their place. After this, you can lift the sash from the frame and reposition the sash.
If the sash remains stuck, it's likely the balance shoe has moved to the bottom of the frame. It's simple to fix this by marking the location of the hinge channel, then unscrew. Fill the screw holes with woodfiller or epoxy and smooth them out before installing the channel. Once Repair My Windows And Doors is in place, you can relock the balance pin by moving it up to the "U" position. Reposition the sash so that it is aligned with the balance, and then check the window.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to a home. It comes in a variety of forms such as dry and wet rot. In both cases the damage is caused by a combination of moisture as well as fungus. Both wet and dry decay can be treated but it's best to stop it at the source. Property owners should look for rot on areas that are susceptible to becoming damp, such as outside window frames as well as timber beams 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. After the wood is dry it is then stained to match the surrounding material. It is crucial to test a wood stain on a small part of the filler material prior to applying it. This will ensure that the stain doesn't change color, corrode, or alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to detect because it usually has a musty smell similar to soil that is rotting. It's also softer and more comfortable to feel than uninfected wood. Dry rot, on the other hand it can be difficult to identify. This type of fungus attacks timber cells, causing them fragment and break down.
Dry rot can be more difficult to repair because it can get further. However, it can still be prevented by finding the source of moisture and repairing it, like leaks or penetrating damp. It is also essential to clean regularly your gutters to prevent accumulation of water that could lead to leaks in the home or in a cellar that is flooded.
Homeowners can also reduce the chance of rot by keeping windows open and using a dehumidifier in crawl spaces and basements. They should also make sure to regularly clean the sealant or caulking around doors and windows to stop water from entering gaps. They must also replace any damaged or cracked timbers.