Home Window Repair
Your windows in your home could be affected by a small pebble from your lawnmowers or a heavy glass on top of the coffee table.
Fortunately, these issues are often fixed by yourself without having to call for a professional. These easy fixes may not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they'll keep your windows in top condition.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or heavy wind can break windows, leaving your home vulnerable to elements. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you think and it's a cheaper option than buying a new window or hiring an expert. It is possible to replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily by using a few simple tools.
Before you begin your work, put on safety goggles and clean the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Clean the frame and remove any varnish or paint from the wood. Remove the saddle bars from the metal sash. Then using a utility knife to carefully cut away the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to pierce any lead that is on the glass and do not try to break it too much.
If you're using a brand new pane, have it cut at an hardware store to ensure that it is the right size. Be sure to subtract 1/8 inch from the actual size of the opening to the glass since wood expands and expands and contracts.
The majority of single pane windows are held in place by a glaze putty and tiny metal clips referred to as glazier's point. Apply a generous amount of glazier's putty to the frame of wood around one side of the glass that has been broken. Press glazier's points into putty around every six inches. This will secure the window in place and allow you to seal your frame later.
Linseed can be used to dampen your fingers and then run it over the wood surface prior to applying any putty. This will lubricate and make the putty easier to work with. Glazing putty is a finite product and will dry over time. Add a few drops linseed to the mix to prolong its shelf life. After the putty is dampened, you can begin repairing your window.
Broken Seals
As time passes, the rubber used to seal double-paned windows can disintegrate. This leaves the window vulnerable to moisture, which can compromise its purpose and allowing it to let in cold air or warm humidity. The first sign that the seal has been damaged is fog or condensation between the two panes. A noticeable difference in temperature between the outside and inside your home is a different indication. And finally, a broken seal can cause your windows to appear blurred or distorted as the vacuum-sealed argon gas escapes.
Window replacement is the only option to restore your windows to their original condition. Thankfully, many modern double-paned windows are backed by warranties and can be replaced without cost to the homeowner.
If your windows are covered by warranty, you should avail this benefit as soon as you can to avoid the expense of a full replacement. The warranty will cover all costs for labor and materials to repair or replace your windows.
Although you can repair windows yourself, the process is complex and requires specialized tools. The best solution is to hire an expert window installer. They'll handle the removal, cleaning and installation of your windows, while ensuring that they are properly coated and insulated to shield your home from the effects of moisture, cold air and hot sun.
Window replacement could also save money on your energy bills. By replacing older windows with double paned windows will help you save on energy bills for cooling and heating. Plus the insulation of newer windows is higher and they create an enviable environment for your home. The only downside to replacing windows is the initial price, but this can be offset by the long-term savings on your electricity bills.
Sashes that won't open
A sash window that doesn't open poses more than just a nuisance - it can be dangerous. The sash could close in a flash and damage anything on the sill, which includes pets and children. Single and double-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 is in need of be reset or locked.
To fix this, begin by testing the window to determine if it is moving. If it doesn't, try using an instrument that is placed on the rail where the upper and lower sashes join to break them apart. If the window does move, remove the sash and place it on a surface to get access to the sides. If the spline of the sash appears to be loose in some spots it is possible to use a utility knife to cut the spline at the corners. If the spline is torn or broken completely and you need to replace it.
If the sash is stuck, you may have to take off the front stop trim piece. Hardware stores carry tools to do this. A putty knife will also work. You'll also need to score the seal of paint around the sash channels using your cutting tool, and then remove any screws that keep the stops in place. Once this is done you'll be able lift the sash off the frame and then reposition it in a proper way.
If the sash remains stuck and the balance shoe is not moving, it could have fallen to the bottom of the frame. It's easy to reset it: Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame and then remove it. Fill the screw holes with epoxy or woodfiller and smooth them out prior to installing the channel. Relock the balance pin once the hinge channel is reinstalled by moving it into the "U-position". Reposition the sash to ensure that it is aligned with the balance, and then test the window.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to a property. Wet and dry rot are two of numerous forms. Both of these are caused by a combination moisture and fungus. Dry and wet rot can be repaired, though they're best stopped at the source. Property owners should look for the presence of rot in areas likely to be damp, like outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. They should also inspect the wood in any gaps or cracks.
If there is upvc window repairs should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. After the wood has dried it can be stained to match the surrounding. If you decide to use a wood stain it is important to test the product on a small portion of the filler prior to applying. This will ensure that the stain doesn't change color, corrode or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easily recognized by its musty odor that is similar to the smell of soil that is rotting. It's also softer and more comfortable to feel than uninfected wood. Dry rot is harder to detect. This type of fungus attacks the cells in timber which causes them to break down and then disintegrate.
Dry rot is usually more difficult to repair than wet rot because it can penetrate deeper into the material. It can be prevented however by identifying and fixing the source of moisture, like a leak or damp that is penetrating. It is also important to clean regularly your gutters to prevent the buildup of water that can cause leaks in the home or a flooded cellar.
The chance of rot can be minimized by keeping crawlspaces and basements dry and using dehumidifiers. To prevent water from getting into gaps, they should regularly clean the caulking and sealant around doors and windows. They must also replace any damaged or cracked timbers.