Home Window Repair
Your windows in your home could be affected by a pebble from your lawnmowers' plow or heavy glass on top of the coffee table.
Fortunately, these problems can be solved on your own without calling an expert. These easy fixes won't win you any beauty contests, but they can keep your windows in good shape.
Broken Panes
A strong wind can damage the window panes, making you exposed to weather. It's not as difficult as it seems and replacing just one pane is far less expensive than purchasing a new window. You can replace a damaged pane of glass quickly and easily using the use of a few tools.
Wear safety goggles before you begin and clean the area around the glass window of glass fragments or glass chards. Remove any paint or varnish from the frame of wood. Remove the saddle bars from the metal sash. Then, you can put on a knife and slowly pry the trim away from the window frames. Be careful not to pierce any lead on the existing glass, and be careful not to break it too badly.
If you're using a fresh pane, you can have it cut at an establishment that sells hardware to ensure that it is the right size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual size of the opening for the glass because wood expands and 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 glazier's glue to the wood frame around one side of the broken glass. Incorporate glazier's facets into the putty about every six inches. This will help keep the window in place and allow you to seal the frame later.
Before you apply any putty, moisten your finger with linseed oil and run it across the wood's surface. This will help lubricate the wood and make the putty more manageable to use. Glazing putty is limited in its shelf life and can dry out over time, so be sure to add some drops of linseed oil to the mix to extend its life. When the putty is dry it is time to begin repairing your window.
Broken Seals
Rubber used to seal double paned windows can wear out over time. This can leave the window open to moisture, which can compromise its purpose and allows it to let in cold or warm air. The first sign that the seal has been damaged is fog or condensation between the two panes. A significant temperature difference between inside and outside your home is a different indication. A broken seal can cause windows to look hazy or blurred as the vacuum sealed gas argon escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to restore your windows back to their original state. Fortunately, most modern double-paned windows come backed by warranties and can be replaced at no additional cost to homeowners.
If your windows are covered by warranty, you should take advantage of it as soon as possible. This will save you money on a full replacement. The warranty covers the labor and materials required to repair or replace windows.
While you can replace your windows at home however, the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized tools. Calling a professional installer is the best choice. They will take out the old, clean and reinstall the windows, while making sure that they are properly glazed and insulated and protect your home from the elements of cold air, moisture and hot sun.
Window replacement can also save money on your energy costs. Replacing old windows with new double pane windows can dramatically reduce your cooling and heating costs. Plus, newer windows have superior insulation and provide a more comfortable home environment. The only drawback to a window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this cost can be offset by the savings you can see on your electricity bill in the future.
Sashes that won't slide open
A sash that isn't opening is more than just a nuisance. It could also be dangerous. The sash could close suddenly and cause damage to anything on the sill, which includes pets and children. Single and double-hung window designs have balancing mechanisms to keep the sash out of the jambs. It could be that the sash has not been properly connected to the mechanisms or it requires to be reset or locked.
Begin by determining whether the window will move. If it doesn't, try using an instrument on the rail between the upper and lower sashes join to break them apart. If the window is moving and the sash is removed from the window and place it on an even surface to get at the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in one or two places you can employ a utility knife cut it apart at the corners. If the spline was damaged or torn away completely it is necessary to replace it.
If the sash is still stuck, you may have 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 need to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels using your cutting tool and remove any screws that hold the stops in the frame. After this is done you'll be able lift the sash off the frame and move it properly.
If the sash remains stuck, the balance shoe may have slid down to the bottom of the frame. Resetting this is easy: Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame, then unscrew it. Fill the screwholes with woodfiller or epoxy and smooth them out prior to installing the channel. Lock the balance pin when the hinge channel has been reinstalled by putting it in 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 numerous forms. Both cases result from a combination of moisture and fungus. Both dry and wet decay can be treated. However, upvc window repair to stop the cause. Property owners should look for rot in areas that are likely to get damp, like outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. They should also examine the wood where there are cracks and gaps.
If there is a hole the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood is dry it can be stained to match its surroundings. It is important to test the stain on a small area of the filler material before applying it. This will ensure that the stain will not change color, corrode, or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easily identified by its musty odor that is like that of soil that has rotten. It's also softer than uninfected timber and is therefore easier to feel with your hands. Dry rot, on the other hand is more difficult to detect. This type of fungus eats the cells within timber and causes them to break down and then disintegrate.
Dry rot is often more difficult to repair than wet rot due to the fact that it can penetrate deeper into the materials. It can be avoided, however, by finding and fixing the source of moisture, like leaks or damp that penetrate. It is also crucial to regularly clean out your gutters to prevent water buildup that could cause leaks within your home or a flooded cellar.
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 prevent water from getting into gaps. In addition they should replace damaged or damaged timbers.