You'll Never Guess This Window Repair's Secrets
Home Window Repair
A pebble from the lawnmower or a large drink set on a glass-topped coffee table or a broken window are just a few of the issues that can plague your home windows.
Fortunately, these problems can be solved on your own without calling for a professional. These easy fixes won't win your home any beauty contests, but they can keep your windows in good shape.
Broken Panes
A strong wind can break the window panes, making you vulnerable to the weather. It's not as complicated as it appears and replacing a single pane is less expensive than purchasing a brand new window. With just a few tools and some attention to detail it is possible to replace a damaged window pane in a short time and with efficiency.
Wear safety glasses before you begin. Clean the area around the glass window of any glass splinters or glass chards. Clean the frame and take off any old paint or varnish from the wood. Remove the saddle bars from the metal sash. Then, using a utility blade, carefully pry away the trim from the window frames. Be careful to not pierce the lead of the current pane, and don't attempt to break the glass too excessively.
If you're using a new pane, have it cut at a hardware store to ensure that it is the right size. You must 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 contract.
The majority of single pane windows are secured by glazing putty as well as small metal clips called glazier's points. Apply a generous amount glazier's putty to the frame of the wood around one side of the broken glass. Press the glazier's point into the putty every six inches. This will hold the window in position and allow you to reseal your frame later.
Linseed can be used to dampen your finger and then rub it across the wood surface before applying any putty. This will make the wood lubricated and the putty much easier to use. Glazing putty is limited in its shelf life and can dry out in time, so you should add a few drops of Linseed oil to extend its lifespan. After the putty is dampened, you can begin repair work on your window.
Broken Seals
Rubber used to seal double pane windows can wear out over time. The window is then vulnerable to moisture, compromising its function and allowing it to let in cold air or warm humidity. The first sign that a seal is broken is condensation or fog that forms between the two panes. Another sign is a noticeable difference in temperature between your home and outside. A broken seal can cause your windows to appear hazy or discolored as the vacuum-sealed gas argon escapes.
Window replacement is the only option for restoring your windows to their original condition. Many double-paned modern windows are covered by warranties and can be replaced by homeowners at no extra cost.
If your windows are covered by warranty, you'll want to avail this benefit immediately to save money on the cost of a full replacement. The warranty will cover any costs for labor and materials to repair or replace your windows.
While upvc repair can be replaced on your own, the process is complicated and requires special tools. Calling a professional installer is the best option. They'll handle all of the removal, cleaning and reinstallation of your windows while ensuring they are properly glazed and insulated to protect your home from the effects of moisture, hot sun and cold air.
Window replacement could also save money on your energy costs. By replacing old windows with double paned ones you can cut down on your heating and cooling bills. Furthermore, the insulation of newer windows is superior and they provide a more comfortable environment in your home. The only downside of the window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this cost can be offset by the savings you can be able to see on your electric bill over time.
Sashes That Won't Open
A sash window that doesn't open is more than an inconvenience - it could be dangerous. The sash could slam down at any time, causing harm to anything on the sill including pets and children. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows have 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 mechanisms or it requires to be reset or relocked.
Begin by determining if the window moves. If it doesn't, try using a tool on the meeting rail where the lower and upper sashes meet to pry them apart. If the window does move, take off the sash and set it on a surface to access the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in only a few places you can make use of a utility knife to break it up at the corners. If the spline was torn off or completely broken, you will need to replace it.
If the sash is stuck, you might need to take off the front stop trim piece. Hardware stores carry tools for this. A putty blade will also be a good option. With your cutting tool, score the seal of paint that covers the sash channels. Remove any screws that are holding the stops in their place. After this, you can remove the sash from the frame and then reposition it.
If the sash is still stuck, it's likely that the balance shoe has moved towards the bottom of the frame. It's easy to reset it: Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame, then unscrew it. Fill the screw holes with woodfiller or epoxy, and smooth them before installing the channel. Once the hinge channel is back in place, simply reset the balance pin by moving it into the "U" position. Reposition the sash so that it is aligned with the balance, and then test it again.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to the structure of a house. It comes in a variety of forms that include dry and wet rot. Both cases are caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry decay can be treated however, it is best to stop them at the source. Property owners can check for decay in areas that are likely to become damp, like outside window frames, timber joists and basement subfloors. They should also check wood in any gaps or cracks.
If there is a hole the area should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. After the wood is dry, it should be stained to match the surrounding material. It's important to test the stain on a small portion of the filler material prior to applying it. This will ensure that the stain does not alter color, corrode or alter the final look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easily detected by its musty smell that's similar to that of soil that has rotten. It is also softer and more comfortable to feel than wood that is uninfected. Dry rot is more difficult to detect. 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 as it can penetrate further. It can be avoided, however, by finding and fixing the cause of moisture, like leaks or damp that penetrate. It's also important to clean out gutters regularly of obstructions to prevent buildup of water that could lead to leaks around the home or a basement that's flooded.
The risk of rot could be minimized by keeping crawlspaces and basements dry and making use of dehumidifiers. They should also make sure to regularly clean the caulking or sealant around windows and doors to stop water from entering gaps. Additionally they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.