Home Window Repair
Your windows in your home could be affected by a pebble from your lawnmowers or a heavy glass that sits on the top of the coffee table.
These issues can be fixed by you without the need to call an expert. These easy fixes won't win your home any beauty contests, but they'll keep your windows in tip-top condition.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a powerful wind can damage the window panes, making you vulnerable to the weather. It's not as complicated as it may seem, and replacing just one pane is much cheaper than buying a new window. It is possible to replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily by using just a few tools.
Before you begin your work take off the safety glasses and clean the area around the window of glass splinters as well as 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 blade and a hammer, carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to cut the lead on the existing pane, and be careful not to break the glass too often.
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 dimension of the opening to the glass since wood expands and contracts.
Most single pane windows are held in place by glazing putty as well as small metal clips called glazier's points. Apply a liberal amount of putty for glaziers to the wood frame around one side of the glass that has been broken. 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.
Before applying any type of putty, wet your fingers with linseed oil and rub it across the wood's surface. This will help lubricate the putty and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty is a limiting product and will dry over time. Add a few drops of Linseed to the mix to extend its shelf life. Once the putty is moist 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 could leave the windows open to moisture, which can compromise its function and allows in cold or warm humidity. The first indication that the seal has been damaged is fog or condensation between the two panes. A noticeable temperature difference between inside and outside your home is a further indication. Finally, a damaged seal can cause your windows to look hazy or distorted as the vacuum-sealed argon gas escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to bring your windows back to their original state. Many modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and are easily replaced by the homeowner at no extra cost.
If your windows are covered by warranty, take advantage of it as soon as you can. This will save you money on a complete replacement. The warranty covers the materials and labor required to repair or replace windows.
While you can install windows yourself, the procedure is complicated and requires specialized tools. The best option is to call an expert window installer. They will remove the old, clean and reinstall the windows, while ensuring that they are properly glazed and insulated and shield your home from cold air, moisture, and hot sun.
A window replacement can help you save money on your energy bills. Replacing older windows with new double pane windows can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. Plus, newer windows have higher insulation and offer the most comfortable living space. The only downside of a window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this cost can be offset by the savings you can be able to see on your electric bill in the future.
Sashes That Willn't Open
A sash window that doesn't open poses more than just a nuisance - it can be dangerous. The sash can slam shut suddenly and cause damage to anything on the sill, including children and pets. Single and double-hung window designs have balancing mechanisms to keep the sash away from the jambs. The problem may be that the sash isn't properly connected to these mechanisms, or it may require a reset or relocked.
Begin by determining whether the window moves. If it doesn't then try using a tool on the meeting rail where the lower and upper sashes meet to pry them apart. If the window does move, unhook the sash and set it on a work surface to access the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in some places it is possible to use a utility knife to cut it apart at the corners. If the spline has been torn or broken completely it is necessary to replace it.
If the sash remains stuck, it could be necessary to take off the front trim piece. Hardware stores have tools for this. A putty blade can also be a good option. With your cutting tool, cut the seal of paint that covers the sash channels. Then, remove the screws that hold the stops in the frame. After that, you can lift the sash from the frame and move it to a new position.
If the sash is still stuck, it's likely the balance shoe has moved to the bottom of the frame. Resetting it is simple to mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame, then unscrew it. Fill the screw holes with epoxy or woodfiller and smooth them out before reinstalling channel. Once the hinge channel is in place, simply reset the balance pin by moving it into the "U" position. Reposition the sash so that it is aligned with the balance and check it again.
Wood Rot
Wood decay isn't just an eye-sore but it can also cause structural damage to property. It takes several forms that include dry and wet rot. In both cases the damage is caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Both dry and wet rots can be fixed. But, it's better to stop them at the source. Property owners should inspect for rot on areas that are susceptible to getting damp, such as windows outside, timber beams, and basement subfloors. It is also recommended to inspect wood wherever there are cracks and gaps.
If you find a hole, it should be cleaned using a water-resistant filler for wood and then filled. After the wood has dried, it should be stained to match the surrounding material. If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors decide to use stain for wood it is essential to test the product on a small portion of the filler before applying. This will ensure that the stain does not change color, corrode or alter the final appearance of your woodwork.
Wet rot can be recognized by its musty odor that is like that of soil that has rotten. It's also softer and more comfortable to feel than wood that is uninfected. Dry rot is harder to detect. This type of fungus eats the cells within timber and causes them to disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot can be more difficult to repair because it can infiltrate deeper. It can be avoided, however by identifying and fixing the cause of moisture, for instance a leak or damp that is penetrating. It is also essential to clean your gutters to avoid accumulation of water that could lead to leaks in your home or in a cellar that is flooded.
Homeowners can also lower the risk of decay by keeping windows open and using a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces. To prevent water from entering gaps, they should periodically clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. In addition they should replace damaged or damaged timbers.