Home Window Repair
A stray pebble from the lawnmower, a heavy drink set on the coffee table with a glass top, or a shattered window are just a few issues that could affect your home windows.
Fortunately, these problems can be solved by yourself without having to call for a professional. These simple fixes won't be winning your home any beauty contests, but they'll keep your windows in good condition.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a powerful wind can break the window panes, making you vulnerable to the weather. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you might think, and it's a much cheaper option than buying a new window or hiring a professional. With just a few tools and some careful attention to detail, you can replace a damaged window pane in a short time and with efficiency.
Wear safety glasses before you begin and clean the area around the glass window to remove any glass fragments or glass chards. Clean the frame and take off any varnish or paint from the wood. Remove the saddle bars from the metal sash. Then with a utility knife to carefully cut away the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to cut the lead of the current pane, and be careful not to crack the glass itself too much.
If you are using a new pane, it is best to cut it in a hardware shop. This will ensure that the glass is of the correct size. Be sure to subtract 1/8 inch from the actual size of the opening to the glass because wood expands and contracts.
The majority of single pane windows are secured by glazing putty and small metal clips, referred to as glazier's points. Apply a liberal amount of putty for glaziers to the wood frame around one side of the broken glass. Press the glazier's point into putty every six inches. This will secure the window in position and allow you to seal your frame later.
Before you apply any putty, moisten your fingers with linseed oil and then run it over the surface of the wood. 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, so be sure to add some drops of Linseed oil to the mix to prolong its life. Once the putty is moist and you are ready to begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
As time passes, the rubber used to seal double-paned windows can be degraded. The window is then vulnerable to moisture, compromising its purpose and allowing in cold or warm humidity. The first sign of a broken seal is condensation or fog between the two glass panes. Another sign is a difference in the temperature between your home and outside. A broken seal can cause your windows to appear hazy or distorted as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.
Window replacement is the only option for restoring your windows to their original state. Fortunately, most modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and can be replaced at no extra cost to the homeowner.
If your windows are covered under warranty, avail the warranty whenever you can. This will save you money on a complete replacement. The warranty covers all costs for labor and materials to repair or replace your windows.
Although you can replace windows yourself, the process is complex and requires special tools. The best choice is to call a professional window installer. They'll handle the removal, cleaning and installation of your windows, while ensuring that they are properly glazed and insulated to protect your home from the effects of moisture, hot sun and cold air.
A window replacement could also help you save money on your energy costs. Replacement of older windows with modern double pane windows will significantly cut your heating and cooling costs. Furthermore, modern windows offer superior insulation and provide a more comfortable home environment. The only downside to replacing windows is the initial cost. However, this can be offset with the savings you can notice on your electricity bill in the future.
Sashes That Willn't Open
A sash window that doesn't open is more than a nuisance - it can be dangerous. The sash may close in a flash and damage anything on the sill, which includes pets and children. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows are constructed with balance mechanisms that keep the sash up and out of the way of the jambs. The issue could be that the sash isn't connected to these mechanisms, or it might simply need to be reset or relocked.
Begin by determining whether the window will move. If it isn't moving you can try putting an instrument that is placed on the rail where the lower and upper sashes meet to pull them apart. If the window is moving and the sash is removed from the window and place it on an even surface to get at the sides. If the sash's spline is loose in only some places you can make use of a utility knife to cut it in the corners. If the spline was damaged or torn away completely it is necessary to replace it.
If the sash continues to be stuck, it could be necessary to take off the front trim piece. There are specific tools available at hardware stores to help you do this, but a putty knife will also do the trick. With your cutting tool, score the paint seal that surrounds the sash channels. Then, remove any screws that are holding the stops in their place. After this, you can remove the sash from its frame and reposition the sash.
If the sash stays stuck and the balance shoe is not moving, it could have fallen down to the bottom of frame. It's simple to reset this by marking the location of the hinge channel and unscrew. Fill the screwholes with epoxy or woodfiller and smooth them before reinstalling channel. Once the hinge channel is back in place, you can lock the balance pin by moving it into the "U" position. Reposition the sash to align with the balance and check it again.
Wood Rot
Wood rot isn't just a nuisance but it can also cause serious structural damage to your property. Dry and wet rot are two of various forms. Both of these result from a combination of moisture and fungus. upvc windows repairs near me and wet rots can be fixed. However, it's best to stop them at the source. Property owners should check for rot on areas that are at risk of getting damp, like outside window frames, timber beams, and basement subfloors. It is also recommended to inspect wood anywhere there are cracks and gaps.
If a hole is discovered the area should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. After the wood is dry, it should be stained to match the surrounding material. If you use stain for wood, it's important to test the product on a small portion of the filler before applying. This will ensure that the stain does not alter color, corrode, or alter the appearance of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to spot because it usually has a musty smell similar to soil that is rotting. It's also more supple than wood that isn't infected which makes it easier to feel with your hands. Dry rot, on the other hand is more difficult to identify. This kind of fungus attack the cells of timber, causing them to fragment and break down.
Dry rot can be more difficult to repair because it can infiltrate deeper. However, it can still be prevented by finding the source of moisture and fixing it, for instance, the presence of a leak or getting into damp. It's also helpful to clean out gutters regularly of obstructions to avoid a accumulation of water that can lead to leaks in the house or a basement that's flooded.
Homeowners can reduce the chance of rot by keeping windows closed and installing a dehumidifier into basements and crawl spaces. To stop water from entering gaps, they should periodically clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. They should also replace any cracked or damaged timbers.