Home Window Repair
Your windows in your home could be affected by a small pebble from your lawnmower or a heavy glass that sits on the top of the coffee table.
These problems can be easily solved by you, without the need to call a professional. These easy fixes won't be winning your home any beauty contests, but they will keep your windows in good form.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a strong wind can break the window panes, making you exposed to weather. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you might think and it's a cheaper fix than purchasing a new window or hiring a professional. With a few simple tools and some careful focus on the details you can repair the broken window pane quickly and effectively.
Before you begin your work take off the safety glasses and clear the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Clean the frame and remove any varnish or paint from the wood. If you have a sash made from metal with saddle bars, remove the saddle bars as well. Then, you can put on a utility knife and carefully pry the trim away from the window frames. Be careful to not pierce the lead of the current pane, and don't try to break the glass too often.
If you're using a brand new pane, have it cut at an establishment that sells hardware to ensure that it is the right size. You should subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening to allow for the glass. This is because wood expands and contracts.
Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to hold the majority of single pane windows in place. Apply a substantial amount of glaziers putty around the broken glass on the frame of the wood. Incorporate glazier's facets into the putty around every six inches. This will keep the window in position and allow you to reseal your frame later.
Before you apply any putty, moisten your finger with linseed oils and run it across the surface of the wood. This will lubricate and make the putty much easier to work with. Glazing putty has a limited shelf life and can dry out over time, so be sure to add a few drops of Linseed oil to prolong its life. Once the putty is moist it is time to begin repairing your window.
Broken Seals
Rubber used to seal double paned windows is prone to wear out over time. This leaves the window vulnerable to moisture, which can compromise its function and allowing in cold or warm humidity. The first sign of a broken seal is condensation or fog between the two glass panes. A significant temperature difference between the outside and inside your home is a different indication. Finally, a damaged seal can cause windows to look hazy or discolored as the vacuum-sealed gas argon escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to restore your windows back to their original condition. Fortunately, most modern double-paned windows come backed by warranties and can be replaced at no additional cost to homeowners.
If your windows are under warranty, you'll want to take advantage of this option as soon as possible to save on the cost of a full replacement. The warranty will cover all costs for labor and materials to repair or replace your windows.
While you can replace your windows at home however, the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized tools. A professional installer is the best option. They will remove and clean your windows, while ensuring that they are properly glazed, insulated, and protect your home from moisture, cold air, and the scorching sun.
Window replacement can also save you money on your energy bills. By replacing old windows with double paned windows you can cut down on your energy bills for cooling and heating. Plus, newer windows have superior insulation and provide a more comfortable home environment. The only downside to the window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this could be offset with the savings you'll notice on your electricity bill over time.
Sashes That Won't Open
A sash window that isn't able to open is more than a nuisance - it can be a risk. The sash could slam down at any time, causing harm to any item on the sill, including children and pets. Fortunately, double-hung and single-hung windows have balanced mechanisms that keep the sash upright and away from the jambs. The problem could be that the sash isn't connected to these mechanisms, or it may simply need to be reset or relocked.
To fix this, begin by testing the window to see if it will move. If it won't, use an instrument at the junction rail (where the upper and lower sashes join together) to try to pull the two sashes off. If the window does move, take off the sash from the frame and set it on a surface to access the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in only one or two places it is possible to make use of a utility knife to cut it apart at the corners. If the spline is damaged or broken off entirely and you need to replace it.
If the sash is still stuck, it could be necessary to cut off the front trim piece. There are specific tools available at hardware stores to help you with this, but a putty knife can work. You'll also need to score the paint seal around the sash channels with your cutting tool, and then remove any screws that keep the stops in their place. After this, you'll be able to remove the sash from the frame and reposition the sash.
If the sash is still stuck, the balance shoe may have fallen to the bottom of frame. Resetting it is simple: Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame and unscrew it. Fill the screw holes with epoxy or wood filler and scrape them flat 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 until it is in alignment with the balance, and then check the window.
Wood Rot
Wood decay isn't just an eye-sore but it can also cause serious structural damage to your property. Wet and dry rot are just two of the numerous forms. In both instances, the damage is caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Dry and wet rot can be repaired however, it is best to stop them at the source. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk should inspect for rot in areas that are susceptible to getting damp, such as outside window frames, timber beams, and basement subfloors. They should also inspect the wood where there are cracks and gaps.
If a hole has been discovered the hole should be cleaned with an water-resistant wood filler then filled. Once the wood is dry and dries, it can be stained to match its surroundings. If you use a wood stain, it's important to test the product on a small patch of the filler prior to applying. This will ensure that the stain doesn't alter color, corrode or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to detect and is often characterized by an unpleasant odor that is like soil that has been rotting. It's also softer than timber that isn't affected which makes it easier to feel it with your hands. Dry rot, on the other hand is more difficult to detect. This type of fungus eats the cells in timber and causes them to break down and then disintegrate.
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 repairing it, like a leak or penetrating damp. It is also essential to clean regularly your gutters to avoid water buildup that could cause leaks in the home or a basement that has been flooded.
Homeowners can also lower the chance of decay by keeping windows open and using a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces. To prevent water from getting into gaps, they must regularly clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. Additionally, they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.
