Home Window Repair

A lawnmower's pebble, a heavy drink set on the glass-topped coffee table or a broken window are just a few issues that could affect your home windows.

Fortunately, these problems can be solved on your own without calling for a professional. These simple fixes might not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they'll keep your windows in good condition.

Broken Panes

A stray ball or strong wind can break a window pane, leaving your home vulnerable to the elements. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you might think and it's a cheaper fix than purchasing a new window or hiring an expert. You can replace a damaged pane of glass quickly and upvcwindowanddoorrepairs easily using just a few tools.

Wear safety glasses prior to when you begin. Clean the area around the glass window of any glass crystals or glass chards. Take any varnish or paint from the frame of wood. Remove the saddle bars from the metal sash. Then, you can put on a knife and slowly pry the trim away from the window frames. Be careful not to damage any lead that is on the glass and do not try to break it too much.

If you're using a brand new pane, you can have it cut at an hardware store to ensure it's the correct size. You should subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening to accommodate the glass. This is because wood expands and upvcwindowanddoorrepairs contract.

Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to keep most single pane windows in place. Apply a liberal amount of glazier's glue to the frame of 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 reseal your frame later.

Before you apply any putty, moisten your finger with linseed oil and then run it over the wood's surface. This will make the wood lubricated and the putty easier to work with. Glazing putty is limited in its shelf life and can dry out over time, Upvcwindowanddoorrepairs so be sure to add a few drops of Linseed oil to extend its lifespan. 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 may break down. This can leave the window open to moisture, which impedes its purpose and allows in cold or warm air. The first sign that a seal is broken is fog or condensation between the two panes. Another sign is a variation in the temperature between your home and outside. A leaky seal can cause windows to appear hazy or distorted as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.

A window replacement is the only way to restore your windows back to their original condition. Modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and can be replaced by homeowners at no extra cost.

When your windows are under warranty, it is important to take advantage of this option as soon as possible to save on the cost of a full replacement. The warranty will cover any work and materials required to repair or replace your windows.

While you can install windows yourself, the procedure is complex and requires specialized tools. The best solution is to hire an experienced window installer. They will take out and clean your windows, ensuring that they are properly glazed, insulated and shield your home from cold air, moisture, and hot sun.

Window replacement could also save money on your energy costs. Replacement of older windows with modern double pane windows can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. Plus, the insulation of newer windows is superior and they create the most comfortable living space in your home. The only downside of replacing windows is the initial cost. However, this could be offset by the savings you will notice on your electricity bill in the future.

Sashes that won't open

A sash that won't open is more than just an inconvenience. It can also be a risk. The sash could slam down unexpectedly, damaging anything on the sill including children and pets. Single and double-hung window designs have balancing mechanisms to keep the sash out of the jambs. It could be that the sash is not been properly connected to the mechanisms or that it needs to be reset or relocked.

To fix this issue, begin by testing the window to see if it will move. If it doesn't you can try putting an instrument that is placed on the rail between the upper and lower sashes meet to pull them 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 of the sash is loose in just some places it is possible to employ a utility knife cut it apart at the corners. If the spline is damaged or torn away completely, you will need to replace it.

If the sash is still stuck, you might need to take off the front stop trim piece. Hardware stores have tools for this. A putty blade can also work. You'll also need to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels with your cutting tool and remove any screws that are holding the stops in the frame. After this, you can remove the sash from the frame and move it to a new position.

If the sash is still stuck in the frame, the balance shoe could have fallen to the bottom of the frame. It's easy to reset it by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame and then remove it. Fill the holes in the screws with wood filler or epoxy and then scrape them clean before reinstalling the channel. Lock the balance pin after the hinge channel has been reinstalled by putting it in the "U-position". Reposition the sash until it is aligned with the balance, and then test the window.

Wood Rot

Wood rot isn't just an eyesore; it can also cause serious structural damage to your property. It can take many forms such as dry and wet rot. In both cases the damage is caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Dry and wet decay can be treated but it's best to stop it at the source. Property owners should inspect for rot in areas that are at risk of getting damp, such as outside window frames as well as timber beams and basement subfloors. They should also examine the for gaps or cracks.

If you find a hole it must be cleaned with a water-resistant filler for wood and then filled. After the wood has dried it can be stained to match the surroundings. If you are using a wood stain it is important to test the product on a small area of the filler prior to applying. This will ensure the stain does not alter color, corrode or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.

Wet rot can be identified by its musty odor, which is similar to that of rotting soil. It is also softer and easier to feel than wood that is not infected. Dry rot is more difficult to detect. This type of fungus attacks the wood cells and causes them to break down and disintegrate.

Dry rot is typically more difficult to fix than wet rot, because it can get deeper into the material. It can be avoided, however, by identifying and fixing the cause of moisture, like a leak or damp that is penetrating. It is also beneficial to regularly clear gutters of blockages to prevent a accumulation of water that could lead to leaks around the house or a basement that's flooded.

Homeowners can reduce the risk of rot by keeping windows closed and utilizing a dehumidifier in crawl spaces and basements. They should also make sure to regularly clean the sealant or caulking around windows and doors to stop water from getting into gaps. They should also replace any cracked or damaged timbers.