Home Window Repair
Your windows at home can be affected by a sandstone from your lawnmowers' plow or heavy glass that sits on top of the coffee table.
Fortunately, these problems can often be fixed on your own without calling an expert. These simple fixes might not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they will keep your windows in top shape.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a powerful wind can break the window panes, making you exposed to the elements. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you think and it's a cheaper option than buying a new window or hiring an expert. With a few simple tools and some careful attention to detail it is possible to replace a damaged window pane in a short time and with efficiency.
Wear safety glasses prior to when you begin. Clean the area around the glass window of any glass fragments or glass chards. Clean the frame and take off any old paint or varnish from the wood. Remove the saddle bars from a steel sash. Next, put on an utility knife and remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to pierce any lead in the existing glass and do not try to break it too much.
If you are using a new pane, it is 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 to allow for the glass. This is because wood expands and contract.
The majority of single pane windows are held in place by glazing putty and small metal clips called glazier's points. Apply a generous amount of glazier's glue to the wood frame around one side of the glass that has been broken. Press the glazier's point into the putty every six inches. This will secure the window in place and allow you to reseal your frame later.
Before applying any putty, dampen your fingers with linseed oil and then run it over the wood's surface. This will make the wood lubricated and the putty much easier to use. Glazing putty is limited in its shelf life and will dry out over time, so add the linseed oil to the mix to extend its life. When the putty is dry and you are ready to begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
Rubber used to seal double pane windows may wear away over time. This leaves the window vulnerable to moisture, which can compromise its purpose and allowing in cold air or warm humidity. The first indication of a damaged seal is condensation or fog between the two panes of glass. Another sign is a noticeable variation in the temperature of your home and the outside. And finally, a broken seal will cause your windows to appear hazy or blurred as the vacuum sealed gas argon escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to get your windows back to their original state. Many modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and can be replaced by the homeowner at no additional 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 covers the labor and materials required to repair or replace windows.
While you can replace your windows on your own however, the process is a bit complicated and requires special tools. Contacting upvc window repairs is the best option. They'll take care of the cleaning, removal and reinstallation of your windows while making sure they're properly coated and insulated to shield your home from moisture, cold air and hot sun.
Window replacement can also save you money on your energy bills. Replacing old windows with new double pane windows can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. Additionally, the newer windows feature better insulation and create the most comfortable living space. The only drawback of replacing windows is the upfront price, but this can be offset by the savings you will see on your electric bills.
Sashes that won't let you open
A sash that won't open can be more than an inconvenience. It can be a danger. The sash may fall down in a sudden manner, causing damage to any item on the sill, including children and pets. Single and double-hung window designs come with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash from the jambs. The issue could be that the sash isn't properly connected to these mechanisms, or it could require a reset or locked.
Start by testing if the window moves. If it doesn't, you can use a tool at the meeting rail (where the upper and lower sashes join together) to try to break the two sashes apart. If the window does move, take off the sash and set it on a surface to access the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in just some places you can make use of a utility knife to cut it in the corners. If the spline is damaged or completely broken and you need to replace it.
If the sash continues to be stuck, it could be necessary to remove the front trim piece. Hardware stores have tools for this. A putty blade can also work. You'll also need to score the paint seal around the sash channels with your cutting tool and then remove any screws that hold the stops in place. Once this is done you'll be able lift the sash off the frame and reposition it in a proper way.
If the sash remains stuck, it's a sign that the balance shoe has slid towards the bottom of the frame. It's simple to fix this by marking the location of the hinge channel and unscrew. Fill the holes in the screws with epoxy or wood filler and scrape them flat before reinstalling the channel. Once the hinge channel is back in place, simply reset the balance pin by moving it up into the "U" position. Reposition the sash so that it is aligned with the balance, and then try it again.
Wood Rot
Wood rot isn't just a nuisance but it can also cause serious structural damage to your property. Wet and dry rot are two of the various forms. Both cases result from a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry rots can be fixed however, it is best to stop them at the source. Property owners should look for signs of rot on areas that are susceptible to becoming damp, such as outside window frames as well as timber beams and basement subfloors. They should also examine the wood in any gaps or cracks.
If a hole has been discovered it must be cleaned with an water-resistant wood filler then filled. After the wood has dried and dries, it can be stained to match its surroundings. If you are using a wood stain it is essential to test the product on a small patch of the filler before applying. This will ensure the stain does not alter color, corrode, or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to spot and is often characterized by an unpleasant odor that is similar to soil that is rotting. It is also soft and more pliable than wood that is uninfected. Dry rot however is more difficult to identify. This type of fungus attacks the cells in timber, causing them to break down and disintegrate.
Dry rot can be more difficult to fix because it can get into the deeper levels. It can be prevented however by finding and fixing the source of moisture, like a penetrating damp or leak. It's also helpful to regularly clean gutters of obstructions to avoid a buildup of water that could lead to leaks in the house or a basement that's flooded.
Homeowners can also lower the chance of rot by keeping windows closed and utilizing a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces. To stop water from entering gaps, they should periodically clean the caulking and sealant around doors and windows. In addition they should replace damaged or damaged timbers.