Home Window Repair
A lawnmower's pebble, a heavy drink set on a glass-topped coffee table, or a shattered window are only a few issues that could affect windows in your home.
Fortunately, these problems can be solved on your own without calling an expert. These quick fixes won't win you any beauty contests, but they'll keep your windows in good form.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a powerful wind can damage the window panes, making you exposed to the elements. It's not as difficult as it appears and replacing a single pane is much cheaper than purchasing a brand new window. You can replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily with the use of a few tools.
Wear safety glasses before you begin and clean the area around the glass window of glass fragments or glass chards. Take any paint or varnish from the wood frame. 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 pierce any lead in the existing glass, and be careful not to crack it too much.
If you're using a new pane, you can have it cut at a hardware store to ensure it's the correct size. You should subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening to allow for the glass. This is because wood expands and contracts.
Most single pane windows are secured by glazing putty as well as small metal clips called 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 the putty approximately every six inches. This will hold the window in place and allow you to seal the frame later.
Before applying any type of putty, wet your fingers with linseed oil and run it across the wood's surface. This will lubricate and make the putty easier to use. Glazing putty has a limited shelf life and will dry out in time, so you should add a few drops of Linseed oil to prolong its life. Once the putty has been moistened, you can start fixing your window.
Broken Seals
As time passes, the rubber used to seal double-paned windows may break down. This can leave the window open to moisture, which impedes its purpose and allows it to let in cold or warm humidity. The first indication of a damaged seal is fog or condensation between the two panes of glass. Another sign is a noticeable difference in the temperature of your home and outside. And finally, a broken seal can cause windows to look hazy or blurred as the vacuum sealed argon gas escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to get your windows back to their original condition. Fortunately, most modern double-paned windows are backed by warranties and can be replaced without cost to the homeowner.
If your windows are covered by warranty, make use of it whenever you can. This will save you money on a complete replacement. The warranty will cover any labor and materials needed to repair or replace your windows.
While you can install windows yourself, the process is complex and requires special tools. Contacting a professional installer is the best option. They will take out and clean your windows, while ensuring that they are properly glazed and insulated and protect your home against the elements of cold air, moisture and hot sun.
Window replacement can also save you money on your energy bills. Replacing older windows with new double pane windows can dramatically 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 could be offset by the savings you will be able to see on your electric bill in the future.
Sashes that won't open
A sash that doesn't open is more than just a nuisance. It can be a danger. The sash may fall down in a sudden manner, causing damage to anything on the sill including children and pets. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows have balanced mechanisms which keep the sash in place and away from the jambs. The problem may be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to these mechanisms, or it might just need to be reset or locked.
To fix this, begin by examining the window and check if it moves. If upvc sill repair doesn't then try using an instrument that is placed on the rail where the lower and upper sashes meet to pry them apart. If the window moves, remove the sash from the window and place it on a flat surface to reach the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in a few places it is possible to use a utility knife to cut it in the corners. If the spline is torn or broken completely, you'll need to replace it.
If the sash is still stuck, you might need to take off the front stop trim piece. There are tools specifically designed for this at hardware stores to assist you with this, but a putty knife can work. You'll also have to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels with your cutting tool, and then remove any screws that keep the stops in the frame. After that, you can lift the sash from the frame and move it to a new position.
If the sash is still stuck, it's likely the balance shoe has moved to the bottom of the frame. Resetting this is easy: Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame and then remove it. Fill the screw holes with woodfiller or epoxy and smooth them out prior to reinstalling channel. Once the hinge channel is back in place, simply reset the balance pin by advancing it to the "U" position. Reposition the sash so that it is aligned with 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. Both of these result from a combination of moisture and fungus. Dry and wet rots can be fixed however, it is best to stop them at the source. Property owners can check for decay in areas that are likely to be damp, such as outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. They should also examine the wood in any cracks or gaps.
If you find a hole the hole should be cleaned with a water-resistant wood filler and then filled. After the wood has dried, it should be stained to match the surrounding material. It's important to test the stain on a small part of the filler material prior to applying it. This will ensure the stain does not alter color, corrode, or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to detect because it usually has an unpleasant smell that is like soil that has been rotting. It's also less brittle than uninfected timber, making it easier to feel with your fingers. Dry rot is harder to detect. This type of fungus attacks the wood cells and causes them to disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot can be more difficult to fix because it can get deeper. It can be avoided, however, by finding and fixing the source of moisture, for instance a penetrating damp or leak. It is also essential to regularly clean out your gutters to prevent water buildup that could cause leaks within your home or in a cellar that is flooded.
The chance of rot can be reduced by keeping crawlspaces and basements dry and using dehumidifiers. They should also ensure to regularly clean the caulking or sealant around windows and doors to stop water from entering into gaps. In addition they should replace damaged or damaged timbers.