Home Window Repair
A pebble from the lawnmower, a heavy drink set on the coffee table with a glass top or a broken window are just a few issues that can plague your windows at home.
Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed by yourself without having to call for a professional. These quick fixes may not win you any beauty contests for your home, but they will keep your windows in good shape.
RepairMyWindowsAndDoors or strong wind can break windows, leaving your home vulnerable to the elements. It's not as difficult as it appears and replacing just one pane is much cheaper than purchasing a new window. You can replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily by using the use of a few tools.
Before you begin your work, put on safety goggles and clean the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Remove any old varnish or paint from the wood frame. Remove the saddle bars from a steel sash. Then, using a utility blade and a hammer, carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to pierce any lead in the existing glass, and be careful not to crack it too much.
If you are using a brand new pane, it's best to cut it in a shop for hardware. This will ensure that the glass is of the correct size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual size of the opening for the glass as 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 frame of the wood 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 applying any type of putty, wet your finger with linseed oil and rub it across the wood's surface. This will lubricate and make the putty easier to use. Glazing putty is a limited product that will dry over time. Add a few drops linseed to the mix to prolong its shelf-life. When the putty is dry and you are ready to begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
Rubber used to seal double paned windows may wear away over time. This makes the window more susceptible to moisture, which compromises its function and allowing in cold or warm humidity. The first sign of a faulty seal is fog or condensation between the two glass panes. A noticeable temperature difference between inside and outside your home is a different indication. Finally, a damaged seal will cause your windows to look hazy or blurred as the vacuum sealed argon gas escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to bring your windows back to their original state. Fortunately, most modern double-paned windows come backed by warranties and can be replaced at no extra cost to homeowners.
If your windows are covered by warranty, you'll want to take advantage of this option as soon as you can to avoid the expense of a full replacement. The warranty will cover labor and materials required to repair or replace windows.
Although you can replace windows by yourself, the process is complex and requires specialized tools. A professional installer is the best choice. They'll handle all of the removal, cleaning and the reinstallation of your windows, all while ensuring they are properly sealed and glazed to protect your home from the effects of moisture, cold air and hot sun.
A window replacement can help you save money on your energy costs. Replacing old windows with new double pane windows will significantly reduce your cooling and heating costs. Plus the insulation of newer windows is higher and they create a more comfortable environment in your home. The only downside to a window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this can be offset by the savings you'll see on your electricity bill in the future.
Sashes that won't let you open
A sash window that doesn't open poses more than just a nuisance - it can be a risk. The sash may fall down at any time, causing harm to everything on the sill, including children and pets. Single and double-hung window designs have balancing mechanisms to keep the sash away from the jambs. The issue could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to these mechanisms, or it could require a reset or relocked.
To fix this, start by examining the window and see if it will move. If it doesn't, try using an instrument that is placed on the rail between the upper and lower sashes join to break them apart. If the window does move, unhook the sash and place it on a work surface to reach the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in just some places you can 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 remains stuck, you might need to remove the front stop trim piece. Hardware stores carry tools for this. A putty blade will also be useful. With the help of your cutting tool, cut the seal of paint that covers the sash channels. Then, remove any screws holding the stops in place. After this is done, you'll be able to lift the sash out of the frame and reposition it properly.
If the sash is still stuck in the frame, the balance shoe could 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 holes in the screws with epoxy or wood filler and scrape them flat before reinstalling the channel. Once the hinge channel is back in place, just reset the balance pin by moving it to the "U" position. Reposition the sash until it is aligned with the balance, and then verify the window.
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 are caused by a combination moisture and fungus. Both dry and wet decay can be treated. But, it's better to stop the cause. Property owners can look for the presence of rot in areas likely to get damp, like outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. They should also inspect the wood where there are gaps and cracks.
If a hole is discovered, the area should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. Once the wood is dry and dries, it can be stained to match the surroundings. If you are using stain for wood, it's important to test the product on a small patch of the filler before applying. This will ensure that the stain does not alter color, corrode or otherwise alter the finished look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easily detected by its musty smell, which is like that of soil that has rotten. It's also softer than timber that isn't affected which makes it easier to feel with your hand. Dry rot however is more difficult to identify. This type of fungus eats the wood cells which causes them to break down and disintegrate.
Dry rot is typically more difficult to fix than wet rot because it can penetrate deeper into the material. However, it can still be prevented by finding the source of moisture and repairing it, like leaks or penetrating damp. It's also helpful to regularly clean gutters of blockages to prevent a accumulation of water that can cause leaks around the house or a flooded basement.
Homeowners can reduce the chance of decay by keeping windows open and using a dehumidifier in crawl spaces and basements. They should also be sure to clean the caulking or sealant around doors and windows to stop water from getting into gaps. They must also replace any damaged or cracked timbers.