Home Window Repair
A stray pebble from the lawnmower or a large glass of wine set on the glass-topped coffee table or a cracked window are only a few issues that could affect windows in your home.
Fortunately, these problems can often be fixed on your own without calling in a professional. These quick fixes may not win you any beauty contests for your home, but they will keep your windows in top shape.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a powerful wind can damage your window panes, leaving you exposed to weather. It's not as difficult as it appears, and replacing just one pane is far less expensive than purchasing a brand new window. You can replace a damaged pane of glass quickly and easily by using the use of a few tools.
Wear safety glasses prior to when you begin and clean the area around the glass window to remove any glass fragments or glass chards. Remove any old varnish or paint from the frame of wood. Remove the saddle bars from a steel sash. Then, take an utility knife and remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to pierce any lead on the existing glass and don't try to break it too much.
If you're using a fresh pane, cut it at an establishment that sells hardware to ensure the proper size. Be sure to subtract 1/8 inch from the actual dimensions of the opening to 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 point. Apply a liberal amount of glazier's putty to the frame of the wood around one side of the glass that has been broken. Press the glazier's pointed into the putty every six inches. This will hold the window in place and allow you to seal your frame later.
Before you apply any putty, moisten your fingers with linseed oil and run it across the wood's surface. This will help lubricate the wood and make the putty much easier to work with. Glazing putty has a short shelf life and can dry out over time, so add a few drops of Linseed oil to prolong its life. Once the putty has been dampened, you can begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
As time passes, the rubber used to seal double-paned windows will be degraded. The window is then vulnerable to moisture, which can compromise its function and allowing in cold or warm humidity. The first sign of a broken seal is fog or condensation between the two glass panes. Another indication is a difference in the temperature between your home and outside. And finally, a broken seal can cause your windows to look hazy or discolored as the vacuum-sealed gas argon escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to restore your windows back to their original state. Fortunately, most modern double-paned windows come backed by warranties and can be replaced at no extra cost to homeowners.
When your windows are under warranty, it is important to avail this opportunity as soon as you can to save on the cost of a complete replacement. The warranty will cover any work and materials required to repair or replace your windows.
While you can replace your windows at home however, the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized tools. Contacting a professional installer is the best choice. They will remove, clean and reinstall your windows, ensuring that they are properly glazed, insulated and shield your home from moisture, cold air, and the scorching sun.
Window replacement can also save you money on your energy bills. Replacement of older windows with modern double pane windows can significantly cut your heating and cooling costs. Additionally, the newer windows feature better insulation and create the most comfortable living space. The only drawback of replacing your windows is the initial price, but this can be offset by the savings you will see on your electricity bills.
Sashes That Won't Open
A sash that doesn't open can be more than an inconvenience. It can also be a risk. The sash could close suddenly and cause damage to anything on the sill, including pets and children. Single and double-hung window designs have balancing mechanisms to keep the sash out of the jambs. The problem may be that the sash isn't connected to these mechanisms, or it may just need to be reset or relocked.
Begin by determining if the window will move. If it doesn't you can try putting a tool on the meeting rail between the upper and lower sashes meet to pry them apart. If the window does move, take off the sash and place it on a surface to access the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in some spots You can use a utility knife to cut the spline at the corners. If the spline was damaged or torn away completely, you will need to replace it.
If the sash is still stuck, you might need to remove the front stop trim piece. There are specific tools available at hardware stores to assist you with this, but an ordinary putty knife could do the trick. With your cutting tool, score the seal of paint that covers the sash channels. Remove any screws holding the stops in the frame. Once this is done you'll be able remove the sash from the frame and reposition it in a proper way.
If the sash is stuck, it's likely the balance shoe has moved to the bottom of the frame. It's simple to reset this: Mark the position of the hinge channel and unscrew. Fill the screw holes with epoxy or woodfiller and smooth them out prior to installing the channel. Once the hinge channel is back in place, just relock the balance pin by moving it into the "U" position. Reposition the sash so that it is in alignment with the balance, and then check the window.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to the structure of a house. 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 and fungus. Both wet and dried rot can be repaired. But, it's better to stop them at the source. Property owners should inspect for rot in areas that are prone to getting damp, like windows outside, timber beams, and basement subfloors. They should also examine the for gaps or cracks.
If you find a hole, it should be cleaned using a water-resistant wood filler and then filled. After the wood has dried, it can be stained to match the surrounding. It is important to test the stain on a small part of the filler material before applying it. sash window repairs will ensure the stain doesn't change color, corrode, or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easily identified by its musty odor that is similar to the smell of soil that has rotten. It's also more supple than uninfected timber which makes it easier to feel with your hand. Dry rot is harder to recognize. This kind of fungus attack the cells of timber, causing them to disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot is often more difficult to fix than wet rot because it can penetrate deeper into the material. However, it can still be prevented by finding the source of moisture and fixing it, like a leak or getting into damp. It's also important to regularly clean gutters of obstructions to avoid a buildup of water that could cause leaks around the house or a basement that's flooded.
The chance of rot can be minimized by keeping crawlspaces and basements dry and making use of dehumidifiers. To stop water from entering gaps, they should regularly clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. They must also replace any damaged or cracked timbers.