Five Things You're Not Sure About About Window Repair
Home Window Repair
A stray pebble from the lawnmower, a heavy drink set on a coffee table with a glass top or a broken window are just a few of the issues that could affect your home windows.
These issues can be repaired by you without having to call an expert. These easy fixes may not win you any beauty contests for your home, but they'll keep your windows in good shape.
Broken Panes
A stray ball or strong wind can damage a window pane, leaving your home vulnerable 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 a 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 your work, put on a pair of safety goggles and clear 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 read page have a metal sash with saddle bars, remove the saddle bars as well. Then, take a knife and slowly pry the trim away from the window frames. Be careful not to cut the lead of the current pane, and don't try to crack the glass itself too often.
If you're using a fresh pane, have it cut at an hardware store to ensure the proper size. You must subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening to accommodate 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 into place. Apply a generous amount of glazier's putty to the wood frame around one side of the glass that has been broken. Press the glazier's point into the putty every six inches. This will secure the window in place and allow you to seal your frame later.
Before you apply any putty, moisten your fingers with linseed oil and rub it across the surface of the wood. This will help to lubricate the glue and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty has a short shelf life and will dry out in time, so you should add a few drops of Linseed oil to extend its life. When the putty is dry and you are ready to begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
Over time the rubber used to seal double-paned windows may break down. The window is then vulnerable to moisture, compromising its purpose and allowing it to let in cold air or warm humidity. The first sign that the seal has been damaged is fog or condensation between the two panes. A noticeable temperature difference between your home and outside home is a further indication. A broken seal can cause windows to appear blurred or distorted as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to get your windows back to their original condition. Many double-paned modern windows come with warranties and are easily replaced by homeowners at no extra cost.
If your windows are covered by warranty, it is important to avail this opportunity immediately to avoid the expense of a complete replacement. The warranty will cover all labor and materials needed to repair or replace your windows.
While you can replace your windows on your own however, the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized tools. Calling a professional installer is the best option. They will remove, clean and reinstall your windows, ensuring that they are properly glazed and insulated and protect your home from the elements of cold air, moisture and the scorching sun.
A window replacement can also help you save money on your energy costs. Replacement of older windows with modern double pane windows can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. Furthermore the insulation of modern windows is superior and they provide the most comfortable living space in your home. The only drawback to a window replacement is the upfront cost, but this could be offset by the savings you will see on your electricity bills.
Sashes that won't open
A sash window that isn't able to open poses more than just an inconvenience - it could be a risk. The sash can fall down unexpectedly, damaging anything on the sill including children and pets. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows have balance mechanisms which keep the sash in place and away from the jambs. It could be that the sash is not been properly connected to the mechanism or that it needs to be reset or locked.
Begin by determining if the window moves. If it doesn't move then try using an instrument on the rail between the upper and lower sashes meet to pull them apart. If the window moves in any way, take the sash out of the window and place it on an un-level surface to get at the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose only in a few spots You can use a utility knife to cut the spline apart at the corners. If the spline is damaged or completely broken, you'll need to replace it.
If the sash remains stuck, you might need to take off the front stop trim piece. Hardware stores carry tools to do 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 hold the stops in the frame. After that, you can remove the sash from the frame and reposition the sash.
If the sash is still stuck, it's likely the balance shoe has moved towards the bottom of the frame. It's simple to reset this by marking the location of the hinge channel and remove the screw. Fill the screw holes with woodfiller or epoxy and smooth them out prior to reinstalling channel. Once the hinge channel is back in place, you can relock the balance pin by advancing it to the "U" position. Reposition the sash so that it is aligned with the balance and check it again.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to the structure of a house. Wet and dry rot are two of the various types. Both of these result from a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry rots can be fixed, though they're best stopped at the source. Property owners can look for the presence of rot in areas likely to become damp, such as outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. They should also inspect the for any cracks or gaps.
If there is a hole, it should be cleaned with a water-resistant wood filler and then filled. After the wood has dried and is stained, it must be repainted to match the surrounding material. If you are using a wood stain it is important to test the product on a small area of the filler before applying. This will ensure that the stain doesn't alter color, corrode or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet decay is easy to identify because it usually has a musty smell similar to soil that is rotting. It's also softer and more pliable than wood that is not infected. Dry rot is more difficult to spot. This type of fungus attacks timber cells, causing them disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot can be more difficult to repair as it can infiltrate into the deeper levels. It can be prevented however by identifying and fixing the cause of moisture, such as leaks or damp that penetrate. It is also essential to clean regularly your gutters to avoid the buildup of water that can cause leaks in your home or a basement that has been flooded.
The risk of rot can be minimized by keeping basements and crawlspaces dry and making use of dehumidifiers. To stop water from entering gaps, they should periodically clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. Additionally they should replace damaged or damaged timbers.