Home Window Repair
Your home windows can be affected by a small pebble from your lawnmower or a heavy glass that sits on top of the coffee table.
Fortunately, these issues can be solved by yourself without having to call for a professional. 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 baseball or a powerful wind can damage the window panes, making you exposed to weather. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you think, and it's a much less expensive option than purchasing windows or hiring a professional. You can replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily with just a few tools.
Before you begin working take off safety goggles and clear the area around the window of glass splinters as well as glass chards. Clean the frame and get rid of any old paint or varnish from the wood. If you have a metal sash with saddle bars, you need to remove the saddle bars as well. Then, using a utility blade and a hammer, carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to pierce any lead that is on the glass and do not try to break it too much.
If you're using a brand new pane, you can have it cut at an hardware store to ensure that it is the right size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual dimensions of the opening to the glass since 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 large amount of glaziers ' putty on the broken glass on the wood frame. Incorporate glazier's facets into the putty around every six inches. This will hold the window in position and permit you to reseal the frame later.
You can use linseed to dampen your finger and then rub it across the wood surface prior to applying any putty. This will help to lubricate the glue and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty has a short shelf life and will dry out over time, so be sure to add a few drops of Linseed oil to extend its lifespan. Once the putty has been moistened, you can start fixing your window.
Broken Seals
Over time the rubber used to seal double-paned windows will be degraded. This can leave the windows open to moisture, which can compromise its function and allows it to let in warm or cold humidity. The first indication of a damaged seal is fog or condensation between the two glass panes. A noticeable difference in temperature between your home and outside home is a different indication. 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 for restoring your windows to their original condition. Modern double-paned windows come with warranties and can be replaced by the homeowner at no extra cost.
When your windows are under warranty, you should avail this benefit immediately to save on the cost of a full replacement. The warranty covers all costs for labor and materials to repair or replace your windows.
Although you can replace windows by yourself, the process is complex and requires specialized tools. The best choice is to call an experienced window installer. They'll take care of the cleaning, removal, and the reinstallation of your windows, all while ensuring that they are properly sealed and glazed to protect your home from the effects of moisture, hot sun and cold air.
Window replacement could also save money on your energy bills. By replacing old windows with double paned ones, you can reduce your energy bills for cooling and heating. Furthermore, modern windows offer better insulation and create the most comfortable living space. The only drawback to the window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this can be offset by the savings you can notice on your electricity bill over time.
Sashes That Won't Open
A sash window that won't open is more than an inconvenience, it can be dangerous. The sash can slam shut in a flash and damage anything on the sill, including pets and children. Fortunately, double-hung and single-hung windows have balance mechanisms that keep the sash upright and out of the way of the jambs. It could be that the sash has not been properly connected to the mechanisms or it requires to be reset or relocked.
To fix this issue, begin by testing the window to see if it will move. If upvc window repairs doesn't move, try using a tool on the meeting rail between the upper and lower sashes join to break them apart. If the window does move, take off the sash from the frame and set it on a work surface to get access to the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose only in the smallest of places it is possible to use a utility knife to cut the spline at the corners. If the spline is damaged or completely broken and you need to replace it.
If the sash is stuck, you might need to take off the front stop trim piece. There are tools specifically designed for this at hardware stores to help you do this, but an ordinary putty knife could work. With the help of your cutting tool, score the paint seal that encircles the sash channels and remove the 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 remains stuck in the frame, the balance shoe could have fallen to the bottom of the frame. Resetting it is simple: Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame and then remove it. Fill the holes in the screws with wood filler or epoxy and scrape them flat before installing the channel. Once the hinge channel is in place, just lock the balance pin by moving it into the "U" position. Reposition the sash until it is aligned with balance, and then verify the window.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to the structure of a house. Dry and wet rot are just two of the various forms. In both cases, the damage is caused by the combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dried decay can be treated. But, it's better to stop the cause. Property owners can look for decay in areas that are likely to get damp, such as outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. They should also inspect wood anywhere there are cracks or gaps.
If a hole is discovered the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. When the wood is dry and dries, it can be stained to match its surroundings. If you use a wood stain it is important to test the product on a small portion of the filler prior to applying. This will ensure that the stain doesn't alter color, corrode or otherwise alter the finished appearance of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to spot, as it often has an unpleasant smell that is similar to rotting soil. It is also softer and more comfortable to feel than wood that is uninfected. Dry rot is harder to detect. This kind of fungus attack the cells of timber, causing them to disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot is typically more difficult to fix than wet rot, because it can penetrate deeper into the material. It can be prevented however by finding and repairing the source of moisture, like leaks or damp that penetrate. It is also beneficial to clean out gutters regularly of obstructions to avoid a accumulation of water that could cause leaks around the home or a basement that is flooded.
Homeowners can also reduce the chance of rot by keeping windows open and utilizing a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces. To stop water from entering gaps, they should regularly clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. In addition they should replace damaged or damaged timbers.