Home Window Repair

A stray pebble from the lawnmower, a heavy drink placed on the glass-topped coffee table or a cracked window are just a few of the problems that could be affecting your home windows.

These issues can be fixed by you without the need to call a professional. These simple fixes won't win you any beauty contests, but they'll keep your windows in top condition.

Broken Panes

A baseball or a strong wind can cause damage to your window panes, leaving you exposed to the elements. It's not as difficult as it seems and replacing a single pane is much cheaper than purchasing a new window. It is possible to replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily by using the use of a few tools.

Before you begin working take off a pair of safety goggles and clean the area around the window of glass splinters as well as glass chards. Clean the frame and take off any varnish or paint from the wood. Remove the saddle bars from a steel sash. Then using a utility knife to carefully cut away the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to damage any lead in the existing glass, and be careful not to break it too much.

If you are using a brand new pane, it is recommended to cut it in a workshop for hardware. This will ensure that the glass is the right size. You must subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening to allow for the glass. This is because wood expands and contract.

The majority of single pane windows are held in place by a glaze putty and tiny metal clips called glazier's points. Apply a liberal amount of glazier's putty to the frame of the wood around one side of the broken glass. Press glazier's points into the putty about every six inches. This will keep the window in place and permit you to reseal the frame later.

Before you apply any putty, moisten your finger with linseed oil and rub it across the surface of the wood. This will help lubricate the putty and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty is a limited product that will dry out over time. Add a few drops of Linseed to the mix to prolong its shelf-life. Once the putty is moist, you can begin repairing your window.

Broken Seals

Over time, the rubber used to seal double-paned windows may disintegrate. The window is then susceptible to moisture, which compromises its purpose and allowing it to let in cold or warm humidity. The first sign that the seal has been damaged is fog or condensation between the two panes. Another sign is a noticeable difference in temperature of your home and outside. And finally, a broken seal can cause windows to appear hazy or discolored as the vacuum-sealed argon gas escapes.

A window replacement is the only way to bring your windows back to their original condition. Modern double-paned windows come with warranties and are easily replaced by homeowners at no extra cost.

If your windows are covered under warranty, you should avail the warranty whenever you can. This will save you money on a full replacement. The warranty will cover materials and labor required to repair or replace windows.

While you can replace your windows at home However, the process is difficult and requires special tools. Contacting a professional installer is the best choice. They will take out the old, clean and reinstall the windows, while ensuring that they are properly glazed, insulated and shield your home from cold air, moisture, and the scorching sun.

Window replacement can also save you money on your energy bills. By replacing old windows with double paned windows will help you save on cooling and heating bills. Plus, newer windows have higher insulation and offer a more comfortable home environment. The only drawback to the window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this could be offset by the savings you will see on your electricity bill over time.

Sashes that won't open

A sash that doesn't open is more than just a nuisance. It can be a danger. The sash can slam shut unexpectedly and damage anything that's on the sill, including children and pets. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows are designed with balanced mechanisms which keep the sash in place and out of the way of the jambs. The issue could be that the sash isn't connected to these mechanisms, or it may just need to be reset or relocked.

To fix this, begin by testing the window to see if it will move. If it isn't moving then try using an instrument that is placed on the rail where the lower and upper sashes join to break them apart. If the window moves in any way, take the sash out of the window and place it on a flat surface to reach the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in a few places it is possible to employ a utility knife cut it in the corners. If the spline is torn or completely broken, you'll need to replace it.

If the sash continues to be stuck, it could be necessary to take off the front trim piece. Hardware stores carry tools for this. A putty blade will also be a good option. You'll also need to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels with your cutting tool, upvcwindowanddoorrepairs and then remove screws that are holding the stops in their place. After this, you'll be able to remove the sash from its frame and then reposition it.

If the sash remains stuck in the frame, the balance shoe could have fallen to the bottom of the frame. It's simple to reset this way: mark the location of the hinge channel and unscrew. Fill the screw holes with woodfiller or epoxy, upvcwindowanddoorrepairs and smooth them before installing the channel. Once the hinge channel is in place, you can relock the balance pin 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 isn't just an eyesore; it can also cause structural damage to your property. Dry and wet rot are two of the various forms. In both cases the damage is caused by a combination of moisture as well as fungus. Both wet and dried decay can be treated. However, it's best to stop the cause. Property owners should look for the presence of rot in areas likely to be damp, such as outside window frames, timber joists and basement subfloors. They should also inspect the for any gaps or cracks.

If there is a hole, the area should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. When the wood is dry it can be stained to match its surroundings. It is important to test a wood stain on a small part of the filler material prior applying it. This will ensure that the stain does not change color, corrode, or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.

Wet rot is easy to spot, as it often has an unpleasant odor that is similar to soil that is rotting. It is also softer and more pliable than wood that is not infected. Dry rot is harder to recognize. This type of fungus eats the wood cells and causes them to break down and then disintegrate.

Dry rot is more difficult to repair as it can infiltrate deeper. However, it can be prevented by identifying the source of moisture and repairing it, like a leak or getting into damp. It is also essential to clean regularly your gutters to prevent accumulation of water that could lead to leaks within your home or a basement that has been flooded.

The chance of rot can be minimized by keeping crawlspaces and basements dry and using dehumidifiers. They should also ensure to clean the sealant or caulking around windows and doors to prevent water from entering into gaps. They should also replace any damaged or cracked timbers.