Home Window Repair
Your windows at home can be affected by a small pebble from your lawnmower or a heavy glass on the top of the coffee table.
Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed at home without having to call for a professional. These quick fixes won't win your home any beauty contests, but they'll keep your windows in tip-top condition.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a strong wind can cause damage to the window panes, making you exposed to the elements. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you might think, and it's a much cheaper fix than purchasing windows or hiring an expert. You can replace a damaged pane of glass quickly and easily with a few simple tools.
Before you begin work begin, put on safety goggles and clean the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Clean the frame and take off any old paint or varnish from the wood. Remove the saddle bars from a metal sash. Then, using a utility blade to carefully cut away the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to damage any lead in the existing glass, and be careful not to crack it too much.
If you are using a brand new pane, it's best to have it cut in a hardware shop. This will ensure that the glass is of 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.
The majority of single pane windows are secured by a glaze putty and tiny metal clips referred to as glazier's point. Apply a generous amount of putty for glaziers to the wood frame around one side of the broken glass. Press glazier's points into putty around every six inches. This will help keep the window in position and allow you to seal the frame later.
Linseed can be used to dampen your finger and then run it over the wood surface prior to applying any putty. This will help lubricate the wood and make the putty much easier to work with. Glazing putty has a limited shelf life and will dry out over time, so be sure to add a few drops of Linseed oil to extend its life. Once the putty is moist, you can begin repairing your window.
Broken Seals
Over time the rubber used to seal double-paned windows will break down. This can leave the windows open to moisture, which compromises its purpose and allows in cold or warm air. The first indication that a seal has broken is fog or condensation between the two panes. A noticeable temperature difference between your home and outside home is another sign. A broken seal can cause windows to appear cloudy or appear distorted as the sealed gas escapes.
Window replacement is the only option to bring your windows back to their original state. Modern double-paned windows come with warranties and can be replaced by homeowners at no extra cost.
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 will cover the labor and materials required to repair or replace windows.
Although you can replace windows yourself, the process is complicated and requires specialized tools. The best solution is to hire an experienced window installer. They will take out, clean and reinstall your windows, while ensuring that they are properly glazed and insulated and protect your home from the elements of cold air, moisture and hot sun.
A window replacement can also help you save money on your energy costs. Replacing old windows with new double pane windows can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. Furthermore the insulation of modern windows is superior and they provide a more comfortable environment in your home. The only drawback to a window replacement is the upfront cost, but this could be offset by the long-term savings on your electricity bills.
Sashes that won't let you open
A sash window that won't open poses more than just an inconvenience - it could be a risk. The sash can fall down unexpectedly, damaging any item on the sill, including children and pets. Fortunately, double-hung and single-hung windows are designed with balanced mechanisms which keep the sash in place and away from the jambs. It could be that the sash has not been properly connected to the mechanism or that it needs to be reset or locked.
Begin by determining whether the window will move. If it doesn't, employ a tool at the meeting rail (where the upper and lower sashes meet together) to try to pull the two sashes apart. If upvc window repairs near me 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 in just some places, you can make use of a utility knife to break it up at the corners. If the spline is damaged or torn away completely it is necessary to replace it.
If the sash continues to be stuck, it may be necessary to remove the front trim piece. There are specific tools available at hardware stores to assist you with this, but a putty knife will also do the trick. You'll also have to cut the paint seal around the sash channels using your cutting tool, and then remove any screws that are holding the stops in the frame. Once this is done you'll be able to lift the sash out of the frame and move it properly.
If the sash is stuck, it's likely that the balance shoe has moved to the bottom of the frame. Resetting it is simple to mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame and then remove it. 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, you can lock the balance pin by moving it to the "U" position. Reposition the sash so that it is aligned with balance, and then test the window.
Wood Rot
Wood decay isn't just an eye-sore; it can also cause serious structural damage to a property. It takes several forms, including wet and dry rot. In both cases the damage is caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry decay can be treated, though they're best stopped at the source. Property owners should look for rot in areas that are at risk of getting damp, such as outside window frames, timber beams, and basement subfloors. They should also inspect the for any gaps or cracks.
If a hole is found the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. Once the wood has dries and is stained, it must be repainted to match the surrounding material. It's important to test a wood stain on a small part of the filler material prior applying it. This will ensure that the stain does not alter color, corrode, or otherwise alter the finished look of your woodwork.
Wet rot can be easily identified by its musty odor that's similar to that of soil that has rotten. It's also softer and easier to feel than wood that is uninfected. Dry rot is harder to recognize. This type of fungus eats the cells within timber which causes them to disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot is typically more difficult to repair than wet rot because it can penetrate deeper into the material. However, it is still able to be prevented by finding the source of moisture and repairing it, for instance, the presence of a leak or getting into damp. It is also important to clean your gutters to prevent water buildup that could cause leaks in the home or in a cellar that is flooded.
Homeowners can also reduce the risk of decay by keeping windows open and installing a dehumidifier into crawl spaces and basements. To prevent water from getting into gaps, they should regularly clean the caulking and sealant around doors and windows. In addition they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.