Home Window Repair
A pebble from the lawnmower or a large drink set on a coffee table with a glass top or a cracked window are only a few problems that could be affecting your home windows.
These issues can be repaired by you without having to call a professional. These easy fixes won't win you any beauty contests, but they'll keep your windows in tip-top condition.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball or a strong wind can break a window pane, leaving your home vulnerable to elements. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you think and is a cheaper fix than purchasing a new window or hiring an expert. You can replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily by using a few simple tools.
Before you begin working begin, put on 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 the saddle bars as well. Then, you can put on an utility knife and remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to damage any lead on the existing glass and don't try to crack it too much.
If you're using a new pane, you can 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 in order to accommodate the glass. This is because wood expands and contracts.
Most single pane windows are held in place by glazing putty as well as small metal clips, referred to as glazier's points. Apply a substantial amount of glaziers ' putty on the broken glass on the frame of the wood. Press glazier's points into putty approximately every six inches. This will hold the window in position and permit you to reseal the frame later.
Before you apply any putty, dampen your finger with linseed oil and then run it over the surface of the wood. This will make the wood lubricated and the putty more manageable to work with. Glazing putty is a limiting product and will dry over time. Add a few drops in linseed to prolong its shelf-life. When the putty is dry it is time to begin repairing your window.
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As time passes, the rubber used to seal double-paned windows can break down. This can open the window open to moisture, which compromises its function and allows it to let in warm or cold 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 different indication. And finally, a broken seal will cause your windows to appear blurred or distorted as the vacuum-sealed argon gas escapes.
Window replacement is the only way to restore your windows to their original condition. Fortunately, most modern double-paned windows are backed by warranties and can be replaced at no extra cost to homeowners.
When your windows are under warranty, you should avail this opportunity immediately to avoid the expense of a complete replacement. The warranty will cover any labor and materials needed 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 hire an experienced window installer. They'll take care of the cleaning, removal, and reinstallation of your windows while making sure they're properly sealed and glazed to protect your home from the effects of moisture, cold air and hot sun.
Window replacement could also save money on your energy costs. Replacing old windows with new double pane windows will significantly reduce your cooling and heating costs. Furthermore the insulation of modern windows is higher and provides an enviable environment for your home. The only downside of replacing windows is the initial cost. However, this can be offset with the savings you'll see on your electricity bill in the future.
Sashes That Willn't Open
A sash that doesn't open is more than just an inconvenience. It could also be dangerous. The sash could close unexpectedly and damage anything that's on the sill, such as pets and children. Fortunately, double and single-hung windows have balance mechanisms that keep the sash up and out of the way of the jambs. It could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to the mechanism or it is in need of be reset or relocked.
To fix this, begin by testing the window to check if it moves. If it won't, use an instrument at the junction rail (where the upper and lower sashes come 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 work surface to reach the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in just one or two places it is possible to make use of a utility knife to cut it apart at the corners. If the spline has been torn or completely broken it is necessary to replace it.
If the sash is stuck, you may have to take off the front stop trim piece. Hardware stores have tools to do this. A putty knife will also work. With your cutting tool, score the paint seal that surrounds the sash channels and remove any screws holding the stops in place. After this is done you'll be able remove the sash from the frame and then reposition it properly.
If the sash remains stuck and the balance shoe is not moving, it could have fallen to the bottom of the frame. It's simple to fix this: Mark the position of the hinge channel, then remove the screw. Fill the screw holes with woodfiller or epoxy and smooth them out prior to installing the channel. Relock the balance pin once the hinge channel has been reinstalled by moving it into the "U-position". Reposition the sash until it is aligned with the balance, and then test the window.
Wood Rot
Wood decay isn't just an eye-sore It can also cause serious structural damage to property. It comes in a variety of forms, including wet and dry rot. In both instances, the damage is caused by a combination of moisture as well as fungus. Both dry and wet rot can be repaired. However, it's best 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 examine the for any gaps or cracks.
If there is a hole, it should be cleaned using a water-resistant filler for wood and then filled. After the wood is dry, it should be stained to match the surrounding material. If you are using stain for wood, it's important to test the product on a small area of the filler before applying. This will ensure the stain does not alter color, corrode, or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to detect, as it often has a musty smell similar to rotting soil. It's also more supple than uninfected timber and is therefore easier to feel it with your hands. Dry rot is more difficult to spot. This type of fungus attacks timber cells, causing them disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot is more difficult to repair as it can penetrate further. It can be prevented, however by finding and fixing the source of moisture, for instance a penetrating damp or leak. It's also helpful to regularly clear gutters of blockages to prevent a buildup of water that could cause leaks around the home or a basement that's flooded.
The risk of rot could be minimized by keeping crawlspaces and basements dry and making use of dehumidifiers. To stop water from entering gaps, they should regularly clean the caulking and sealant around doors and windows. Additionally they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.