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Home Window Repair
A pebble from the lawnmower or a large glass of wine set on the coffee table with a glass top or a broken window are just a few issues that can plague your windows at home.
Fortunately, these problems can often be fixed at home without having to call for a professional. These simple fixes won't be winning your home any beauty contests, but they can keep your windows in tip-top condition.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a strong wind can damage the window panes, making you vulnerable to the weather. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you think and it's a cheaper option than buying an entirely new window or hiring a professional. With just a few tools and a keen care, you can replace the broken window pane quickly and effectively.
Before you begin working take off safety goggles and clear the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Clean the frame and take off any varnish or paint from the wood. Remove the saddle bars from a metal sash. Then with a utility knife and a hammer, carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to cut the lead on the existing pane, and don't try to break the glass too excessively.
If you're using a brand new pane, have it cut at an hardware store to ensure the proper size. Be sure to subtract 1/8 inch from the actual size of the opening to the glass as wood expands and expands and contracts.
The majority of 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 frame of the wood. Press the glazier's point into putty every six inches. This will help keep the window in place and allow you to reseal the frame later.
Linseed can be used to dampen your finger and then run it across the wood surface prior to applying any putty. This will make the wood lubricated and the putty more manageable to work with. Glazing putty is a limiting product that will dry over time. Add a few drops Linseed to the mix to prolong its shelf-life. Once the putty has been dampened, you can begin repairing your window.
Broken Seals
Over time the rubber used to seal double-paned windows can break down. This can open the window open to moisture, which impedes its function and allows in cold or warm air. The first sign of a faulty seal is condensation or fog between the two glass panes. Another indication is a difference in the temperature between your home and outside. A leaky seal can cause windows to appear cloudy or distorted as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to get your windows back to their original state. Thankfully, many modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and can be replaced at no extra cost to homeowners.
When your windows are under warranty, you should take advantage of this option as soon as possible to avoid the expense of a full replacement. The warranty will cover the materials and labor required to repair or replace windows.
Although you can repair windows yourself, the procedure is complex and requires special tools. Calling a professional installer is the best option. They'll handle all of the cleaning, removal, and the reinstallation of your windows, all while ensuring they are properly glazed and insulated 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 older windows with double paned ones will help you save on cooling and heating bills. Plus, newer windows have higher insulation and offer an environment that is more comfortable for your home. The only drawback to replacing your windows is the initial cost, but this could be offset by the long-term savings on your electricity bills.
Sashes that won't open
A sash window that won't open poses more than just a nuisance - it can be a risk. The sash may close unexpectedly and damage anything that's on the sill, including pets and children. Single and double-hung window designs come with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash away from the jambs. The problem may be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to these mechanisms, or it may just need to be reset or locked.
Begin by determining if the window will move. If it doesn't then try using an instrument on the rail between the upper and lower sashes meet to pull them apart. If the window is moving, remove the sash from the window and place it on a flat surface to access the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose only in some spots You can use a utility knife to cut the spline apart at the corners. If the spline is torn or completely broken and you need to replace it.
If the sash remains stuck, you may have to remove the front stop trim piece. There are special tools at hardware stores to help you with this, but an ordinary putty knife could do the trick. You'll also need to score the paint seal around the sash channels using your cutting tool and remove screws that hold the stops in their place. After that, you can remove the sash from the frame and move it to a new position.
If the sash is still stuck, it's a sign that the balance shoe has slid to the bottom of the frame. Resetting this is easy by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame and then remove it. Fill the screw holes with epoxy or wood filler and scrape them smooth before reinstalling the channel. Once RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is back in place, just relock the balance pin by advancing it into the "U" position. Reposition the sash to ensure that it is aligned with balance, and then check the window.
Wood Rot
Wood rot isn't just an eyesore; it can also cause serious structural damage to a property. It can take many forms such as dry and wet rot. Both are caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry decay can be treated but it's best to stop it at the source. Property owners should look for signs of rot on areas that are at risk of getting damp, like outside window frames as well as timber beams and basement subfloors. They should also check for any cracks or gaps.
If a hole is discovered the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. After the wood has dried, it should be stained to match the surrounding material. It is important to test the stain on a small part of the filler material prior to applying it. This will ensure that the stain will not alter color, corrode or alter the appearance of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to spot because it usually has a musty smell similar to rotting soil. It's also less brittle than wood that isn't infected and is therefore easier to feel it with your fingers. Dry rot is more difficult to spot. This kind of fungus attack wood cells, making them disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot can be more difficult to repair as it can infiltrate deeper. However, it can be prevented by finding the source of moisture and repairing it, such as leaks or penetrating damp. It's also important to regularly clear gutters of obstructions to avoid a accumulation of water that can cause leaks around the home or a basement that is flooded.
Homeowners can also lower the risk of rot by keeping windows closed and installing a dehumidifier into basements and crawl spaces. They should also be sure to clean the caulking or sealant around windows and doors to stop water from getting into gaps. In addition they should replace damaged or damaged timbers.