Home Window Repair
Your home windows can be affected by a sandstone from your lawnmowers' plow or heavy glass on the top of your coffee table.
Fortunately, these problems can be solved on your own without calling for a professional. These easy fixes won't win you any beauty contests, but they can keep your windows in tip-top condition.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a strong wind can break the window panes, making you exposed to weather. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you might think and is a cheaper option than buying a new window or hiring a professional. With a few tools and some care it is possible to replace a damaged window pane quickly and efficiently.
Wear safety glasses prior to when you begin and clean the area around the glass window to remove any glass fragments or glass chards. Clean the frame and take off any old paint or varnish from the wood. If you have a sash made of metal with saddle bars, you need to remove them as well. Then using a utility knife and a hammer, carefully remove 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 shop for hardware. This will ensure that the glass is the proper size. You must subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening to accommodate the glass. This is because wood expands and contract.
Most single pane windows are secured by a glaze putty and tiny metal clips referred to as glazier's point. Apply a generous amount of glaziers's putty to the broken glass on the wood frame. Press the glazier's pointed into the putty every six inches. This will secure the window in place and allow you to reseal your frame later.
You can use linseed to moisten your finger and then run it across the wood surface before 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 upvc window repairs in linseed to prolong its shelf life. Once the putty has been dampened, you can begin repairing your window.
Broken Seals
Rubber used to seal double paned windows may wear away over time. This can leave the window open to moisture, which can compromise its function and allows it to let in cold or warm humidity. The first sign of a broken seal is condensation or fog between the two glass panes. Another sign is a noticeable difference in the temperature between your home and the outside. A damaged seal could cause windows to appear blurred or distorted as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to restore your windows back to their original state. Fortunately, many modern double-paned windows come backed by warranties and can be replaced at no extra cost to the homeowner.
If your windows are covered by warranty, take advantage of it as soon as possible. This will save you money on a full replacement. The warranty will cover all work and materials required to repair or replace your windows.
While windows can be replaced at home However, the process is difficult and requires special tools. The best option is to call a professional window installer. They will remove the old, clean and reinstall the windows, while ensuring that they are properly glazed and insulated and protect your home from the elements of cold air, moisture and hot sun.
Window replacement can also save you money on your energy costs. Replacing older windows with new double pane windows can significantly reduce your cooling and heating costs. Furthermore, modern windows offer higher insulation and offer the most comfortable living space. The only downside to replacing your windows is the initial cost, but this could be offset by the savings you will see on your electricity bill.
Sashes that won't open
A sash that doesn't open can be more than a nuisance. It can be a danger. The sash may close suddenly and cause damage to anything on the sill, such as children and pets. Double-hung and single-hung window designs have balancing mechanisms to keep the sash away from the jambs. It could be that the sash is not been properly connected to the mechanism or it requires to be reset or relocked.
To fix this, begin by testing the window to determine if it is moving. If it doesn't, employ a tool at the meeting rail (where the upper and lower sashes come together) to try to break the two sashes apart. If the window is moving 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 a few places you can use a utility knife to cut it apart at the corners. If the spline is broken or torn it is necessary to replace it.
If the sash is stuck, you may have to remove the front stop trim piece. There are special tools in hardware stores that can help you do this, however an ordinary putty knife could help. You'll also need to score the paint seal around the sash channels with your cutting tool, and then remove screws that keep the stops in the frame. After this, you'll be able to lift the sash from the frame and reposition the sash.
If the sash is stuck, it's likely that the balance shoe has moved towards the bottom of the frame. It's simple to reset this: Mark the position of the hinge channel and unscrew. Fill the screwholes with woodfiller or epoxy and smooth them out before installing the channel. Lock the balance pin when the hinge channel is reinstated by putting it into the "U-position". Reposition the sash to align with the balance and try it again.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to a property. Wet and dry rot are just two of the many forms. Both of these result from a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dried decay can be treated. But, it's better to stop the cause. Property owners should look for signs of rot on areas that are susceptible to becoming damp, such as outside window frames, timber beams, and basement subfloors. It is also recommended to inspect wood wherever there are gaps and cracks.
If you find a hole, it should be cleaned with a water-resistant wood filler and then filled. Once the wood has dries it is then stained to match the surrounding material. It is crucial to test the stain on a small part of the filler material before applying it. This will ensure the stain doesn't change color, corrode, or alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to spot and is often characterized by an unpleasant smell that is similar to soil that is rotting. It is also softer and more pliable than uninfected wood. Dry rot however it can be difficult to identify. This type of fungus attacks the cells within timber and causes them to break down and disintegrate.
Dry rot can be more difficult to repair as it can get further. It can be avoided, however by finding and fixing the source of moisture, such as a penetrating damp or leak. It is also crucial to clean regularly your gutters to prevent the buildup of water that can cause leaks within your home or a flooded cellar.
The risk of rot could be reduced by keeping basements and crawlspaces dry and by using dehumidifiers. They should also make sure to regularly clean the sealant or caulking around windows and doors to stop water from entering into gaps. Additionally they should replace damaged or damaged timbers.