15 Things You Didn't Know About Window Repair
Home Window Repair
Your home windows can be affected by a pebble from your lawnmower or a heavy glass that sits on top of the coffee table.
These issues can be solved by you, without having to call a professional. These simple fixes might not win you any beauty contests for your home, but they will keep your windows in good condition.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a strong wind can cause damage to your window panes, leaving you exposed to weather. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you might think and is a less expensive option than purchasing a new window or hiring an expert. With a few simple tools and some care, you can replace a broken window pane quickly and efficiently.
Wear safety glasses prior to when you begin. Clean the area around the glass window of glass splinters or glass chards. Remove any varnish or paint from the wood frame. If you have a sash made of metal with saddle bars, remove them too. Then using a utility knife, carefully pry away the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to damage any lead that is on the glass and don't try to break it too much.
If you are using a new pane, it's best to have it cut in a shop for hardware. This will ensure that the glass is the right size. You should subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening in order to accommodate the glass. This is because wood 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 frame of the wood around one side of the glass that has been broken. Press the glazier's point into putty every six inches. This will hold the window in place and allow you to seal the frame later.
Before applying any putty, moisten your finger with linseed oils and then run it over the wood's surface. This will help lubricate the wood and make the putty easier to use. Glazing putty has a short shelf life and can dry out over time, so be sure to add the Linseed oil to the mix to extend its life. Once the putty has been moistened, you can start repairing your window.
Broken Seals
Over time, the rubber used to seal double-paned windows will disintegrate. This leaves the window susceptible to moisture, which compromises its function and allowing in cold or warm humidity. The first indication of a damaged seal is fog or condensation between the two glass panes. Another indication is a variation in the temperature between your home and outside. A damaged seal could cause your windows to appear cloudy or distorted as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.
Window replacement is the only option for restoring your windows to their original state. Fortunately, most modern double-paned windows are backed by warranties and can be replaced at no additional cost to the homeowner.
If your windows are covered by warranty, you should take advantage of it as soon as you can. This will save you money on a complete replacement. The warranty will cover materials and labor required to repair or replace windows.
Although you can repair windows yourself, the procedure is complicated and requires specialized tools. Calling a professional installer is the best option. They will take out the old, clean and reinstall the windows, while ensuring that they are properly glazed, insulated and protect your home from the elements of cold air, moisture and hot sun.
Window replacement could also save money on your energy costs. Replacement of older windows with modern double pane windows can dramatically cut your heating and cooling costs. Additionally the insulation of modern windows is higher and they create the most comfortable living space in your home. The only drawback to replacing windows is the initial cost, but this can be offset by the savings you will see on your electricity bill.
Sashes that won't let you open
A sash window that won't open is more than a nuisance - it can be dangerous. The sash can slam shut suddenly and cause damage to anything on the sill, including pets and children. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows are constructed with balance mechanisms that keep the sash upright and out of the way of the jambs. The issue could be that the sash isn't properly connected to these mechanisms, or it could simply need to be reset or relocked.
Start by testing if the window moves. If it won't, use an instrument at the junction rail (where the upper and lower sashes meet together) to try to pry the two sashes off. If the window does move, remove the sash from the frame and set it on a work surface to reach the sides. If the sash's spline is loose in only some places, you can make use of a utility knife to break it up at the corners. If the spline is torn or broken completely and you need to replace it.
If the sash is stuck, you may 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 help. You'll also need to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels using your cutting tool and remove screws that hold the stops in their place. After this, you can remove the sash from the frame and move it to a new position.
If the sash remains stuck and the balance shoe is not moving, it could have slid down to the bottom of 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 epoxy or wood filler and scrape them smooth before installing the channel. Once the hinge channel is back in place, simply reset the balance pin by advancing it to the "U" position. Reposition the sash until it is aligned with the balance, and then check the window.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to the structure of a house. It takes several forms that include dry and wet rot. Both are caused by a combination moisture and fungus. Both dry and wet rots can be fixed. However, it's best to stop them at the source. Property owners should look for rot on areas that are prone to getting damp, like outside window frames, timber beams, and basement subfloors. upvc window repairs near me should also check for gaps or cracks.
If a hole is found the area should 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 is crucial to test a stain on wood on a small portion of the filler material prior to applying it. This will ensure the stain doesn't alter color, corrode or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to detect, as it often has an unpleasant odor that is like soil that has been rotting. It's also less brittle than wood that isn't infected and is therefore easier to feel with your hands. Dry rot is harder to detect. This type of fungus eats the cells within timber, causing them to disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot can be more difficult to fix because it can infiltrate deeper. However, it is still able to be prevented by identifying the source of the moisture and repairing it, like the presence of a leak or getting into damp. It is also essential to regularly clean out your gutters to avoid accumulation of water that could lead to leaks in your home or in a cellar that is flooded.
Homeowners can also lower the risk of rot by keeping windows closed and using a dehumidifier in crawl spaces and basements. To stop water from entering gaps, they should regularly clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. In addition, they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.