Five Things You're Not Sure About About Window Repair
Home Window Repair
Your home windows can be affected by a sandstone from your lawnmower or a heavy glass on top of the coffee table.
These issues can be easily fixed by you without the need to call a professional. These quick fixes may not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they will keep your windows in top shape.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball or a strong wind can damage a window pane, leaving your home vulnerable to elements. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you might think, and it's a much cheaper fix than purchasing a new window or hiring an expert. With just a few tools and some focus on the details, you can replace a damaged window pane quickly and efficiently.
Before you begin work take off a pair of safety goggles and clear the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Clean the frame and get rid of any varnish or paint from the wood. Remove the saddle bars from the metal sash. Then, using a utility blade and a hammer, carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to pierce any lead in the existing glass, and be careful not to break it too badly.
If you're using a fresh pane, cut it at an establishment that sells hardware to ensure the proper size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual dimension of the opening to the glass because wood expands and contracts.
Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to keep the majority of single pane windows into place. Apply a liberal amount of putty for glaziers to the wood frame around one side of the glass that has been broken. Press the glazier's pointed into the putty every six inches. This will keep the window in place and allow you to seal your frame later.
Before you apply any putty, moisten your fingers with linseed oil and rub it across the surface of the wood. This will make the wood lubricated and the putty easier to work with. Glazing putty is a finite product and will dry over time. Add a few drops of linseed to the mix to prolong its shelf life. Once the putty has been wet, you can begin repair work on your window.
Broken Seals
The rubber used to seal double paned windows may wear away over time. This makes the window more vulnerable to moisture, compromising its function and allowing it to let in warm or cold humidity. The first indication of a damaged seal is condensation or fog between the two glass panes. Another sign is a difference in the temperature between your home and the outside. Finally, a damaged seal can cause your windows to look hazy or distorted as the vacuum-sealed argon gas 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 are easily replaced by homeowners at no extra cost.
If your windows are covered by warranty, take advantage of it as soon as possible. This will save you money on a total replacement. The warranty will cover the labor and materials required to repair or replace windows.
While you can install windows yourself, the process is complex and requires special tools. Calling a professional installer is the best option. They'll handle the cleaning, removal, and installation of your windows, while ensuring they are properly sealed and glazed to protect your home from the effects of moisture, hot sun and cold air.
A window replacement can also help you save money on your energy bills. By replacing old windows with double paned ones will help you save on heating and cooling bills. Plus the insulation of newer windows is superior and they provide the most comfortable living space in your home. The only downside to a window replacement is the upfront cost, but this can be offset by the long-term savings on your electricity bill.
Sashes that won't let you open
A sash that isn't opening is more than just a nuisance. It can be a danger. The sash could slam down in a sudden manner, causing damage to everything on the sill, including children and pets. Single and double-hung window designs come with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash out of the jambs. The problem could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to these mechanisms, or it may require a reset or relocked.
To fix this, start by examining the window and determine if it is moving. If it doesn't move you can try putting an instrument that is placed on the rail where the lower and upper sashes join to break them apart. If the window moves and the sash is removed from the window and place it on an un-level surface to access the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in only some places it is possible to use a utility knife to cut it apart at the corners. If the spline was damaged or torn away completely, you will need to replace it.
If the sash remains stuck, it may be necessary to take off the front trim piece. Hardware stores sell special tools for this. A putty blade can also work. You'll also have to cut the paint seal around the sash channels using your cutting tool, and then remove any screws that hold the stops in the frame. After that, you can remove the sash from the frame and move it to a new position.
If the sash is stuck, it's likely the balance shoe has slid to the bottom of the frame. It's easy to reset this: Mark the position of the hinge channel, then unscrew. Fill the holes in the screws with epoxy or wood filler and scrape them smooth before reinstalling the channel. Once the hinge channel is in place, just relock the balance pin by moving it up to the "U" position. Reposition the sash until it is aligned with the balance, and then verify the window.
Wood Rot
Wood decay isn't just an eye-sore; it can also cause serious structural damage to your property. It takes several forms such as dry and wet rot. Both are caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dried rots can be fixed. But, it's better to stop them at the source. Property owners can check for decay in areas that are likely to become damp, such as outside window frames, timber joists and basement subfloors. They should also check for cracks or gaps.
If you find a hole it must be cleaned with a water-resistant filler for wood and then filled. Once the wood has dries it is then stained to match the surrounding material. If you are using a wood stain it is important to test the product on a small area of the filler prior to applying. This will ensure that the stain won't change color, corrode or alter the final appearance of your woodwork.
Wet decay is easy to identify because it usually has an unpleasant smell that is similar to soil that is rotting. It's also less brittle than uninfected timber and is therefore easier to feel it with your fingers. upvc repairs rot however, can be more difficult to identify. This kind of fungus attacks the cells in timber which causes them to break down and disintegrate.
Dry rot can be more difficult to repair because it can get into the deeper levels. It can be avoided, however by identifying and fixing the cause of moisture, for instance leaks or damp that penetrate. It's also helpful to regularly clear gutters of obstructions to avoid a accumulation of water that can lead to leaks in the house or a basement that's flooded.
The risk of rot could be minimized by keeping basements and crawlspaces dry and by using dehumidifiers. They should also make sure to clean the caulking or sealant around windows and doors to prevent water from getting into gaps. In addition they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.