Home Window Repair
A lawnmower's pebble or a large glass of wine set on the coffee table with a glass top or a broken window are only a few issues that could affect your home windows.
Fortunately, these issues are often fixed by yourself without having to call for a professional. These simple fixes might not win you any beauty contests for your home, but they'll keep your windows in top condition.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a powerful wind can damage the window panes, making you vulnerable to the weather. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you might think and it's a less expensive option than purchasing a new window or hiring a professional. You can replace a damaged pane of glass quickly and easily using just a few tools.
Before you begin working, put on a pair of safety goggles and clean the area around the window of glass splinters as well as glass chards. Clean the frame and remove any varnish or paint from the wood. Remove the saddle bars from the metal sash. Then with a utility knife to carefully cut away the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to damage any lead on the existing glass, and be careful not to crack it too much.
If you are using a new pane, it's best to have it cut in a hardware shop. This will ensure that the glass is the right size. You must subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening to allow for the glass. This is because wood expands and contract.
Most single pane windows are held in place by a glaze putty and tiny metal clips called glazier's points. Apply a large amount of glaziers putty around the broken glass on the wood frame. Press glazier's points into the putty around every six inches. This will keep the window in position and allow you to seal the frame later.
You can use linseed to dampen your finger and then run it over the wood surface prior to applying any putty. This will help lubricate the putty and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty is a limited product and will dry over time. Add a few drops of linseed to the mix to prolong its shelf life. When the putty is dry and you are ready to begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
Over time, the rubber used to seal double-paned windows will be degraded. This leaves the window vulnerable to moisture, which can compromise its function and allowing in cold air or warm humidity. The first sign of a faulty seal is condensation or fog between the two panes of glass. A significant temperature difference between inside and outside your home is a different indication. A broken seal can cause your windows to appear hazy or discolored as the vacuum-sealed argon gas escapes.
Window replacement is the only option to bring your windows back to their original condition. Thankfully, many modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and can be replaced at no extra cost to the homeowner.
If your windows are under warranty, you should avail this benefit immediately to save money on the cost of a full replacement. The warranty covers all costs for labor and materials to repair or replace your windows.
While windows can be replaced by yourself however, the process is a bit complicated and requires special tools. A professional installer is the best choice. They'll take care of the removal, cleaning 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.
Window replacement could also save money on your energy costs. Replacing old windows with new double pane windows can significantly cut your heating and cooling costs. Plus, newer windows have better insulation and create the most comfortable living space. The only downside to replacing your windows is the initial cost, but this can be offset by the savings you will see on your electric bills.
Sashes that won't open
A sash that doesn't open can be more than a nuisance. It can be a danger. The sash can slam shut unexpectedly and damage anything that's on the sill, such as pets and children. Fortunately, double and single-hung windows are constructed with balance mechanisms that keep the sash upright and out of the way of 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.
To fix this issue, begin by examining the window to see if it will move. If it doesn't, you can use a tool at the meeting rail (where the upper and lower sashes join together) to try to pry the two sashes off. If the window does move, remove the sash and set it on a surface to get access to the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in some places, you can employ a utility knife cut it in the corners. If the spline is torn or completely broken and you need to replace it.
If the sash remains stuck, you might need to take off the front stop trim piece. Hardware stores carry tools to do this. A putty knife will also work. With the help of your cutting tool, cut the paint seal that encircles the sash channels. Remove any screws that are holding the stops in the frame. Once this is done you'll be able remove the sash from the frame and then reposition it properly.
If the sash is still stuck, it's a sign that the balance shoe has slid to the bottom of the frame. Resetting this is easy to mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame and then remove it. Fill the screw holes with woodfiller or epoxy and smooth them before reinstalling channel. Once the hinge channel is back in place, simply lock the balance pin by moving it into the "U" position. Reposition the sash in a way that it aligns with the balance and check it again.
Wood Rot
Wood rot isn't just an eyesore It can also cause structural damage to your property. Wet and dry rot are two of the many forms. Both of these are caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry rots can be fixed but it's best to stop it at the source. Property owners can look for rot in areas that are likely to become damp, like outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. They should also inspect the wood where there are cracks or gaps.
If a hole is found the area should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. After upvc window repair has dried, it can be stained to match the surrounding. If you use stain for wood it is essential to test the product on a small area of the filler before applying. This will ensure that the stain does not alter color, corrode, or otherwise alter the finished look of your woodwork.
Wet rot can be recognized by its musty odor that is similar to that of soil that is rotting. It's also less brittle than uninfected timber which makes it easier to feel it with your fingers. Dry rot however is more difficult to recognize. This kind of fungus attack timber cells, causing them disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot can be more difficult to fix because it can penetrate deeper. However, it can still be prevented by identifying the source of moisture and repairing it, such as the presence of a leak or perforating damp. It's also important to clean out gutters regularly of obstructions to avoid a accumulation of water that can lead to leaks in the house or a flooded basement.
The risk of rot could be reduced by keeping basements and crawlspaces dry and using dehumidifiers. They should also ensure to clean the caulking or sealant around windows and doors to prevent water from getting into gaps. They must also replace any cracked or damaged timbers.