Home Window Repair

A stray pebble from the lawnmower or a large glass of wine set on a glass-topped coffee table or a cracked window are only a few problems that could be affecting your home windows.

These problems can be easily solved by you, without having to call a professional. These quick fixes won't win your home any beauty contests, but they can keep your windows in tip-top condition.

Broken Panes

A baseball or a powerful wind can cause damage to your window panes, leaving you exposed to the elements. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you might think, and it's a much cheaper fix than purchasing an entirely new window or hiring a professional. You can replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily using a few simple tools.

Before you begin working take off the safety glasses and clean the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Clean the frame and get rid of any old paint or varnish from the wood. If you have a sash made from metal with saddle bars, remove them too. Then, using a utility blade to carefully cut away the trim from the window frames. Be sure not to pierce the lead of the current pane, and don't try to crack the glass itself too excessively.

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

Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to keep most single pane windows in place. Apply a generous amount of glaziers ' putty on the broken glass on the wood frame. Press glazier's points into the putty around every six inches. This will keep the window in place and allow you to reseal the frame later.

Before you apply any putty, moisten 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 has a limited shelf life and will dry out over time, so be sure to add the Linseed oil to the mix to extend its life. When the putty is dry it is time to begin repairing your window.

Broken Seals

Over time the rubber used to seal double-paned windows may disintegrate. This makes the window more vulnerable to moisture, compromising its purpose and allowing it to let in cold air or warm humidity. The first indication that a seal is broken is fog or condensation between the two panes. Another sign is a variation in the temperature of your home and outside. A broken seal will cause your windows to appear blurred or discolored as the vacuum-sealed gas argon escapes.

A window replacement is the only way to bring your windows back to their original condition. Fortunately, many modern double-paned windows are backed by warranties and can be replaced without cost to the homeowner.

If your windows are covered under warranty, avail the warranty as soon as you can. This will save you money on a total replacement. The warranty will cover any work and materials required to repair or replace your windows.

Although you can replace windows yourself, the procedure is complex and requires specialized tools. Contacting a professional installer is the best choice. They will remove, upvcwindowanddoorrepairs clean and reinstall your windows, ensuring that they are properly glazed and insulated and protect your home against the elements of cold air, moisture and the scorching sun.

Window replacement can also save money on your energy bills. Replacing older windows with new double pane windows can dramatically cut your heating and cooling costs. Additionally, the newer windows feature superior insulation and provide a more comfortable home environment. The only downside of replacing windows is the initial cost. However, this can be offset by the savings you will notice on your electricity bill in the future.

Sashes that won't open

A sash window that doesn't open is more than a nuisance - it can be dangerous. The sash may fall down at any time, causing harm to everything on the sill, including pets and children. Double-hung and single-hung window designs come with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash away from the jambs. It could be that the sash has not been properly connected to the mechanism or it requires to be reset or locked.

Begin by determining if the window moves. If it doesn't 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 and the sash is removed from the window and place it on a flat surface to reach the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in only a few spots, you can use an utility knife to cut the spline at the corners. If the spline has been torn or broken off entirely and you need to replace it.

If the sash is stuck, you may have to take off the front stop trim piece. Hardware stores have tools for this. A putty blade 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 are holding the stops in their place. Once this is done you'll be able lift the sash off the frame and then reposition it correctly.

If the sash is still stuck, the balance shoe may have fallen down 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 screw holes with woodfiller or epoxy and smooth them out prior to reinstalling channel. Lock the balance pin when the hinge channel is installed by putting it in the "U-position". Reposition the sash until it is aligned with the balance, upvcwindowanddoorrepairs and then test the window.

Wood Rot

Wood rot can cause structural damage to the structure of a house. Wet and dry rot are two of many forms. In both instances the damage is caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Both dry and wet decay can be treated. However, it is best to stop them at the source. Property owners should inspect for rot on areas that are prone to getting damp, such as windows outside, timber beams, and basement subfloors. They should also inspect wood wherever there are cracks or gaps.

If you find a hole, it should be cleaned with a water-resistant wood filler and then filled. After the wood has dried, it can be stained to match the surroundings. It is crucial to test the stain on a small part of the filler material prior to applying it. This will ensure that the stain will not alter color, corrode, or alter the look of your woodwork.

Wet rot can be easily recognized by its musty odor that is similar to that of rotting soil. It's also softer than uninfected timber and is therefore easier to feel with your hand. Dry rot is more difficult to recognize. This type of fungus attacks wood cells, making them fragment and break down.

Dry rot is often more difficult to fix than wet rot, because it can get deeper into the material. However, it can be prevented by identifying the source of the moisture and fixing it, such as a leak or penetrating damp. It is also crucial to clean your gutters to prevent water buildup that could cause leaks within your home or a basement that has been flooded.

Homeowners can also lower the chance of rot by keeping windows closed and using a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces. To stop water from entering gaps, they should regularly clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. They should also replace any damaged or cracked timbers.