Home Window Repair
Your home windows can be affected by a small pebble from your lawnmowers' plow or heavy glass on the top of the coffee table.
Fortunately, these problems are often fixed on your own without calling for a professional. These simple fixes might not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they'll keep your windows in good condition.
Broken Panes
A stray ball or strong wind can damage windows, leaving your home vulnerable to elements. It's not as difficult as it may seem and replacing just one pane is less expensive than purchasing a brand new window. It is possible to replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily by using just a few tools.
Wear safety goggles before you begin and clean the area around the glass window to remove any glass splinters or glass chards. Clean the frame and take off any old paint or varnish from the wood. If you have a metal sash with saddle bars, you need to remove them as well. Next, put on a utility knife and carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful to not pierce the lead of the current pane, and be careful not to break the glass too excessively.
If you're using a brand new pane, you can have it cut at a hardware store to ensure it's the correct size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual size of the opening for the glass since wood expands and expands and contracts.
Most single pane windows are held in place by glazing putty and small metal clips, referred to as glazier's points. Apply a generous amount of putty for glaziers 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 hold the window in place and allow you to seal your frame later.
Linseed can be used to moisten your finger and then rub it across the wood surface prior to applying any putty. This will lubricate and make the putty easier to use. Glazing putty is a limiting product and will dry over time. Add a few drops linseed to the mix to prolong its shelf life. Once the putty has a good amount of moisture and you are ready to begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
As time passes, the rubber used to seal double-paned windows can break down. The window is then susceptible to moisture, which compromises its function and allowing it to let in warm or cold humidity. The first indication that a seal has broken is condensation or fog between the two panes. Another sign is a noticeable difference in the temperature of your home and the outside. A leaky seal can cause your windows to appear cloudy or appear distorted as the sealed gas escapes.
Window replacement is the only option to restore your windows to their original state. Fortunately, most modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and can be replaced at no additional cost to the homeowner.
If your windows are covered by warranty, you should avail the warranty as soon as you can. This will save you money on a total replacement. The warranty will cover labor and materials required to repair or replace windows.
While you can install windows yourself, the process is complex and requires special tools. The best option is to call an experienced window installer. They'll handle the removal, cleaning and reinstallation of your windows while ensuring they are properly sealed and glazed to protect your home from the effects of moisture, hot sun and cold air.
Window replacement can also save you money on your energy bills. By replacing older windows with double paned windows, you can reduce your cooling and heating bills. Plus the insulation of modern windows is superior and provides an enviable environment for your home. The only downside to a window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this can be offset by the savings you'll notice on your electricity bill over time.
Sashes that won't let you open
A sash that doesn't open is more than just an inconvenience. It can also be dangerous. The sash could slam down unexpectedly, damaging anything on the sill including children and pets. Double-hung and single-hung windows come with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash from the jambs. It could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to the mechanism or it requires to be reset or locked.
Start by testing if the window moves. If it won't, use a tool on the joint rail (where the upper and lower sashes meet together) to try to pry the two sashes away. If the window moves and the sash is removed from the window and place it on a flat surface to reach the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in only a few spots, you can use an utility knife to cut the spline at the corners. If the spline has been torn or completely broken and you need to replace it.
If the sash is still stuck, it may be necessary to remove the front trim piece. There are upvc window repair designed for this at hardware stores to assist you with this, but a putty knife can work. Utilizing your cutting tool cut the paint seal that surrounds the sash channels. Remove any screws holding the stops in their place. Once this is done you'll be able remove the sash from the frame and reposition it properly.
If the sash is stuck, it's likely that the balance shoe has slid towards the bottom of the frame. It's easy to reset this by marking the location of the hinge channel, then unscrew. Fill the screw holes with epoxy or wood filler and scrape them flat before reinstalling the channel. Once the hinge channel is in place, simply lock the balance pin by moving it up into the "U" position. Reposition the sash until it is aligned with balance, and then test the window.
Wood Rot
Wood rot isn't just a nuisance; it can also cause structural damage to your property. It takes several forms, including wet and dry rot. Both cases are caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry rot can be repaired, though they're best stopped at the source. Property owners should inspect for rot on areas that are prone to getting damp, like outside window frames, timber beams, and basement subfloors. They should also examine the wood where there are cracks or gaps.
If there is a hole the area should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. Once the wood has dries it is then stained to match the surrounding material. If you are using stain for wood, it's important to test the product on a small portion of the filler before applying. This will ensure that the stain doesn't alter color, corrode or alter the final appearance of your woodwork.
Wet rot can be easily recognized by its musty odor, which is like that of rotting soil. It's also more supple than timber that isn't affected and is therefore easier to feel with your hands. Dry rot, on the other hand, can be more difficult to identify. This kind of fungus attacks the cells in timber, causing them to break down and disintegrate.
Dry rot can be more difficult to fix because it can penetrate deeper. It can be prevented, however, by identifying and fixing the cause of moisture, like a penetrating damp or leak. It's also important to regularly clear gutters of blockages to prevent a accumulation of water that could cause leaks in the house or a basement that's flooded.
Homeowners can also reduce the risk of decay by keeping windows open and installing a dehumidifier into basements and crawl spaces. They should also be sure to regularly clean the sealant or caulking around doors and windows to stop water from entering gaps. Additionally, they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.