Home Window Repair
Your windows at home can be affected by a sandstone from your lawnmower or a heavy glass on the top of your coffee table.
These problems can be easily fixed by you without having to call an expert. These simple fixes won't win you any beauty contests, but they'll keep your windows in good condition.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or heavy wind can damage the window's pane, making your home vulnerable to the elements. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you think, and it's a much less expensive option than purchasing a new window or hiring a professional. With a few tools and a keen attention to detail it is possible to replace a broken window pane quickly and efficiently.
Before you begin your work take off a pair of safety goggles and clean the area around the window of glass splinters as well as glass chards. Remove any paint or varnish from the wood frame. If you have a metal sash with saddle bars, you need to remove the saddle bars as well. Then using a utility knife to carefully cut away the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to damage any lead that is on the glass and do not try to crack it too much.
If you're using a brand new pane, cut it at an establishment that sells hardware to ensure that it is the right 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.
Most single pane windows are held in place by glazing putty and small metal clips referred to as glazier's point. Apply a generous amount putty for glaziers to the frame of wood around one side of the broken glass. Incorporate glazier's facets into the putty approximately every six inches. This will keep the window in place and allow you to reseal your frame later.
Before applying any putty, moisten your fingers with linseed oil and run it across the surface of the wood. This will help lubricate the putty and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty has a short shelf life and will dry out over time, so add the linseed oil to the mix to extend its lifespan. Once the putty is moist, you can begin repairing your window.
Broken Seals
Over time the rubber used to seal double-paned windows will disintegrate. This leaves the window vulnerable to moisture, which can compromise its function and allowing in warm or cold humidity. The first indication that a seal has broken is condensation or fog that forms between the two panes. A noticeable difference in temperature between the outside and inside your home is a different indication. A broken seal can cause windows to appear cloudy or blurred as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.
Window replacement is the only way for restoring your windows to their original condition. Modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and can be easily replaced by homeowners at no extra cost.
If your windows are covered by warranty, avail the warranty whenever you can. This will save you money on a complete replacement. The warranty will cover all costs for labor and materials to repair or replace your windows.
While you can replace your windows at home However, the process is difficult and requires special tools. The best choice is to contact an experienced window installer. They'll handle all of the cleaning, removal and reinstallation of your windows while ensuring they are properly sealed and glazed to protect your home from moisture hot sun and cold air.
Window replacement could also save money on your energy costs. By replacing old windows with double paned ones, you can reduce your heating and cooling bills. Plus the insulation of modern windows is higher and they provide a more comfortable environment in your home. The only downside of a window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this cost can be offset with the savings you will be able to see on your electric bill over time.
Sashes that won't open
A sash window that doesn't open is more than a nuisance - it can be dangerous. The sash may fall down unexpectedly, damaging anything on the sill including pets and children. Double-hung and single-hung windows come with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash out of the jambs. It could be that the sash has not been properly connected to the mechanism or it is in need of be reset or locked.
Begin by determining whether the window will move. If it won't, use an instrument at the junction rail (where the upper and lower sashes join together) to try to break the two sashes off. If the window moves in any way, take the sash out of the window and place it on an even surface to get at the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in just some places you can use a utility knife to break it up at the corners. If the spline is torn or broken completely, you'll need to replace it.
If the sash is still stuck, it may be necessary to cut off the front trim piece. There are special tools in hardware stores that can help 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 then remove screws that hold the stops in their place. After this is completed, you'll be able to lift the sash off the frame and move it properly.
If the sash is stuck, it's likely that the balance shoe has moved towards the bottom of the frame. Resetting it is simple to mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame and unscrew it. Fill the screw holes with epoxy or wood filler and scrape them flat before reinstalling the channel. Relock the balance pin once the hinge channel has been reinstalled by moving it into the "U-position". Reposition the sash until it is aligned with balance, and then test the window.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to the structure of a house. Dry and wet rot are two of the numerous types. In both cases, the damage is caused by a combination of moisture as well as fungus. Both dry and wet rots can be fixed. But, it's better to stop them at the source. Property owners should look for rot in areas that are likely to be damp, like outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. They should also check for gaps or cracks.
If a hole is discovered, the area should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood is dry it can be stained to match the surroundings. If you use a wood stain, it's important to test the product on a small portion of the filler prior to applying. This will ensure that the stain doesn't alter color, corrode, or alter the final look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to detect because it usually has a musty smell like soil that has been rotting. It's also softer and more comfortable to feel than uninfected wood. Dry rot is more difficult to recognize. This kind of fungus attack wood cells, making them disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot can be more difficult to repair as it can infiltrate deeper. It can be avoided, however by finding and fixing the cause of moisture, like a leak or damp that is penetrating. It is also crucial to regularly clean out your gutters to prevent the buildup of water that can cause leaks in your home or a basement that has been flooded.
The risk of rot can be minimized by keeping crawlspaces and basements dry and using dehumidifiers. Repair My Windows And Doors should also make sure to clean the sealant or caulking around windows and doors to prevent water from entering gaps. Additionally, they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.