Home Window Repair
A stray pebble from the lawnmower or a large glass of wine placed on the coffee table with a glass top, or a shattered window are just a few issues that can plague your windows at home.
Fortunately, these problems are often fixed on your own without calling for a professional. These quick fixes may not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they will keep your windows in top condition.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball or a strong wind can damage windows, leaving your home vulnerable to elements. It's not as complicated as it seems and replacing just one pane is much cheaper than purchasing a brand new window. With just a few tools and some careful care it is possible to replace a damaged window pane in a short time and with efficiency.
Before you begin work, put on the safety glasses and clean the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Take any varnish or paint from the frame of wood. Remove the saddle bars from a metal sash. Then, you can put on a utility knife and carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to cut the lead on the existing pane, and don't try to break the glass too much.
If you're using a fresh pane, cut it at an establishment that sells hardware to ensure that it is the right 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 contract.
Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to keep the majority of single pane windows into place. Apply a large amount of glaziers's putty to the broken glass on the frame of the wood. Press glazier's points into the putty about every six inches. This will keep the window in position and allow you to seal your frame later.
Before you apply any putty, dampen your fingers 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 limited in its shelf life and can dry out in time, so you should add the linseed oil to the mix to extend its life. Once the putty has a good amount of moisture it is time to begin repairing your window.
Broken Seals
The rubber used to seal double pane windows can wear out over time. This can open the windows open to moisture, which compromises its purpose and allows in cold or warm air. The first sign that a seal is broken is condensation or fog that forms between the two panes. A significant temperature difference between the outside and inside your home is a different indication. And finally, a broken seal will cause your windows to appear hazy or discolored as the vacuum-sealed gas argon escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to bring your windows back to their original condition. Many modern double-paned windows come with warranties and can be replaced by homeowners at no extra cost.
If your windows are covered under warranty, make use of it as soon as possible. This will save you money on a total replacement. The warranty covers all labor and materials needed to repair or replace your windows.
While windows can be replaced at home, the process is complicated and requires special tools. Contacting a professional installer is the best choice. They'll handle the cleaning, removal, and reinstallation of your windows while making sure they're properly sealed and glazed to protect your home from moisture, cold air and hot sun.
A window replacement could also help you save money on your energy costs. By replacing old windows with double paned ones you can cut down on your cooling and heating bills. Additionally the insulation of modern windows is higher and they create an enviable environment for your home. The only drawback to a window replacement is the initial cost, but this could be offset by the long-term savings on your electric bills.
Sashes that won't open
A sash that isn't opening can be more than an inconvenience. It can also be dangerous. The sash could slam down unexpectedly, damaging anything on the sill including pets and children. Fortunately, double and single-hung windows are designed with balancing mechanisms which keep the sash in place and away from the jambs. It could be that the sash has 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, employ a tool on the joint rail (where the upper and lower sashes come together) to try to break the two sashes apart. If the window is moving 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 of the sash appears to be loose in only a few spots it is possible to use a utility knife to cut the spline at the corners. If the spline is torn or broken completely and you need to replace it.
If the sash remains stuck, you may need to take off the front stop trim piece. Hardware stores have tools for this. A putty knife will also be a good option. You'll also have to cut the paint seal around the sash channels with your cutting tool and remove any screws that hold the stops in place. After this, you'll be able to remove the sash from the frame and move it to a new position.
If the sash is stuck, it's likely that the balance shoe has slid to the bottom of the frame. Resetting this is easy by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame and then remove it. Fill the screw holes with epoxy or woodfiller and smooth them out before reinstalling channel. Once the hinge channel is back in place, simply reset the balance pin by advancing it into the "U" position. Reposition the sash until it is in alignment with the balance, and then test the window.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to the structure of a house. It takes several forms such as dry and wet rot. In both cases, the damage is caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry rots can be fixed however, it is best to stop them at the source. Property owners can look for rot in areas that are likely to become damp, such as outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. They should also examine the wood in any gaps or cracks.
If there is a hole the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. When the wood is dry it can be stained to match the surroundings. upvc window repair near me to test a wood stain on a small area of the filler material before applying it. This will ensure that the stain does not change color, corrode or alter the final appearance of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easily detected by its musty smell, which is similar to that of soil that is rotting. It's also softer and more comfortable to feel than wood that is uninfected. Dry rot is more difficult to detect. This kind of fungus attack timber cells, causing them disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot is more difficult to repair because it can penetrate further. However, it can be prevented by identifying the source of the moisture and repairing it, such as a leak or getting into damp. It is also important to regularly clean out your gutters to avoid water buildup that could cause leaks in the home or a basement that has been flooded.
The risk of rot can be reduced by keeping basements and crawlspaces dry and using dehumidifiers. They should also make sure to regularly clean the sealant or caulking around doors and windows to stop water from getting into gaps. In addition they should replace damaged or damaged timbers.