Home Window Repair
A stray pebble from the lawnmower, a heavy drink set on a glass-topped coffee table or a broken window are just a few problems that could be affecting your home windows.
These issues can be easily repaired by you without calling an expert. These simple fixes might not win you any beauty contests for your home, but they'll keep your windows in good condition.
Broken Panes
A strong wind can break the window panes, making you exposed to the elements. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you might think, and it's a much less expensive option than purchasing a new window or hiring a professional. You can replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily by using just a few tools.
Wear safety glasses before you begin. Clean the area around the glass window of glass splinters or glass chards. Take any varnish or paint from the wood frame. If upvc repairs have a sash made of metal with saddle bars, take them off. them too. Then using a utility knife and a hammer, carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be sure not to pierce the lead of the current pane, and be careful not to break the glass too often.
If you're using a fresh pane, have it cut 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 most single pane windows in place. Apply a substantial amount of glaziers ' putty on the broken glass on the wood frame. Press glazier's points into the putty around every six inches. This will keep the window in place and permit you to reseal the frame later.
Before applying any type of putty, wet your fingers with linseed oil and then run it over the wood's surface. This will help lubricate the putty and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty is a finite product and will dry over time. Add a few drops of in linseed to prolong its shelf life. After the putty is dampened, you can begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
The rubber used to seal double pane windows can wear out over time. This could leave the window open to moisture, which compromises its function and allows it to let in cold or warm air. The first sign of a faulty seal is condensation or fog between the two panes of glass. A noticeable temperature difference between inside and outside your home is another sign. Finally, a damaged seal can cause your windows to look hazy or distorted as the vacuum-sealed argon gas escapes.
Window replacement is the only option to restore your windows to their original condition. Many double-paned modern windows are covered by warranties and can be replaced by the homeowner at no extra cost.
When your windows are under warranty, you'll want to avail this opportunity as soon as possible to save money on the cost of a complete replacement. The warranty will cover the labor and materials required to repair or replace windows.
While windows can be replaced at home however, the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized tools. The best choice is to contact an expert window installer. They'll handle all of the removal, cleaning and reinstallation of your windows while making sure they're properly glazed and insulated to protect your home from moisture, cold air and hot sun.
Window replacement could also save money on your energy bills. Replacing old windows with new double pane windows will significantly cut your heating and cooling costs. Plus, the insulation of newer windows is superior and provides a more comfortable environment in your home. The only downside to replacing windows is the initial cost, but this could be offset by the long-term savings on your electricity bill.
Sashes that won't open
A sash that doesn't open is more than just an inconvenience. It can be a danger. The sash could close unexpectedly and damage anything that's on the sill, including pets and children. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows are constructed with balance mechanisms which keep the sash in place and out of the way of the jambs. It could be that the sash has not been properly connected to the mechanism or it is in need of be reset or relocked.
Start by testing if the window will move. If it doesn't, you can use a tool at the meeting rail (where the upper and lower sashes join together) to try to pry the two sashes apart. If the window is moving, remove the sash from the window and place it on an un-level surface to get at the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in just one or two places you can make use of a utility knife to cut it apart at the corners. If the spline is torn or completely broken, you'll need to replace it.
If the sash is still stuck, you may need to remove the front stop trim piece. Hardware stores have tools for this. A putty blade can also be a good option. You'll also need to score the paint seal around the sash channels with your cutting tool, and then remove screws that are holding the stops in the frame. Once this is done, you'll be able to lift the sash off the frame and move it properly.
If the sash remains stuck, it's likely that the balance shoe has moved towards the bottom of the frame. It's simple to reset this: Mark the position of the hinge channel and unscrew. Fill the screw holes with epoxy or wood filler and then scrape them clean before installing the channel. Once the hinge channel is in place, just lock the balance pin by moving it up to the "U" position. Reposition the sash so that it is aligned with balance, and then check the window.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to a property. It comes in a variety of forms, including wet and dry rot. Both cases are caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dried decay can be treated. However, it's best to stop the cause. Property owners can check for decay in areas that are likely to become damp, such as outside window frames, timber joists and basement subfloors. It is also recommended to inspect wood wherever there are cracks or gaps.
If a hole is discovered the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. When the wood is dry and dries, it can be stained to match the surrounding. It's important to test a wood stain on a small part of the filler material before applying it. This will ensure that the stain does not change color, corrode or otherwise alter the finished appearance of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to detect, as it often has an unpleasant smell that is similar to rotting soil. It's also softer and easier to feel than uninfected wood. Dry rot is harder to detect. This type of fungus attacks wood cells, making them disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot is typically more difficult to repair than wet rot because it can penetrate deeper into the material. It can be prevented, however by identifying and fixing the source of moisture, for instance leaks or damp that penetrate. It is also essential to clean your gutters to avoid water buildup that could cause leaks within your home or in a cellar that is flooded.
The chance of rot can be minimized by keeping basements and crawlspaces dry and making use of dehumidifiers. They should also ensure to regularly clean the sealant or caulking around doors and windows to stop water from entering gaps. Additionally, they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.