Ten Window Repair Myths You Shouldn't Post On Twitter
Home Window Repair
Your windows in your home could be affected by a pebble from your lawnmower or a heavy glass on top of the coffee table.
Fortunately, these problems are often fixed by yourself without having to call in 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 good shape.
Broken Panes
A baseball or a powerful wind can break your window panes, leaving you vulnerable to the weather. It's not as difficult as it appears, and replacing just one pane is much cheaper than purchasing a brand new window. With a few tools and a keen attention to detail, you can replace a damaged window pane quickly and effectively.
Wear safety glasses prior to when you begin. Clean the area around the glass window of any glass splinters or glass chards. Remove any old varnish or paint from the frame of wood. Remove the saddle bars from a steel sash. Then using a utility knife and a hammer, carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful to not pierce the lead on the existing pane, and don't attempt to crack the glass itself too often.
If you're using a brand new pane, you can have it cut at an establishment that sells hardware to ensure the proper size. Be sure to subtract 1/8 inch from the actual size of the opening for 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 large amount of glaziers putty around the broken glass on the wood frame. Press glazier's points into putty about every six inches. This will keep the window in place and allow you to seal your frame later.
Before applying any putty, dampen your finger with linseed oils and rub it across the surface of the wood. This will make the wood lubricated and the putty much easier to use. Glazing putty is a limited product and will dry over time. Add a few drops of linseed to the mix to extend its shelf life. Once the putty has been dampened, you can begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
Over time, the rubber used to seal double-paned windows can disintegrate. This makes the window more susceptible to moisture, which compromises its function and allowing in warm or cold humidity. The first indication that a seal has broken is condensation or fog that forms between the two panes. A significant temperature difference between inside and outside your home is another sign. A leaky seal can cause your windows to appear cloudy or distorted as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to bring your windows back to their original state. Many modern double-paned windows come with warranties and are easily replaced by the homeowner at no extra cost.
If your windows are under warranty, you should take advantage of this option as soon as possible to save money on the cost of a full replacement. The warranty will cover costs of labor and materials needed to repair or replace windows.
Although you can repair windows yourself, the process is complex and requires specialized tools. Contacting a professional installer is the best option. They'll handle the cleaning, removal and the reinstallation of your windows, all while making sure they're properly coated and insulated to shield your home from the effects of moisture, cold air and hot sun.
Window replacement could also save money on your energy costs. By replacing older windows with double paned ones, you can reduce your energy bills for cooling and heating. Furthermore, modern windows offer better insulation and create the most comfortable living space. The only drawback to replacing windows is the initial cost. However, this could be offset by the savings you can notice on your electricity bill in the future.
Sashes That Won't Open
A sash window that won't open is more than an inconvenience - it could be dangerous. The sash can fall down in a sudden manner, causing damage to everything on the sill, including pets and children. Double-hung and single-hung window designs have balancing mechanisms to keep the sash away from the jambs. The problem may be that the sash isn't connected to these mechanisms, or it could just need to be reset or locked.
Begin by determining whether the window moves. If it doesn't, employ an instrument at the junction rail (where the upper and lower sashes come together) to try to pull the two sashes off. If the window does move, take off the sash from the frame and set it on a surface to get access to the sides. If the spline of the sash appears to be loose only in some spots, you can use an utility knife to cut the spline apart at the corners. If the spline is torn or broken completely and you need to replace it.
If the sash is still stuck, it could be necessary to take off the front trim piece. There are special tools in hardware stores that can help you do this, but a putty knife can do the trick. With the help of your cutting tool, score the paint seal that encircles the sash channels. Then, remove any screws holding the stops in place. After this, you can remove the sash from its frame and reposition the sash.
If the sash is still stuck, it's a sign that the balance shoe has moved to the bottom of the frame. Repair My Windows And Doors to reset it by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame, then unscrew it. Fill the holes in the screws with wood filler or epoxy and scrape them smooth 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 to align with the balance, and then test it again.
Wood Rot
Wood rot can cause structural damage to the structure of a house. It can take many forms, including wet and dry rot. In both cases the damage is caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Dry and wet rot can be repaired but it's best to stop it at the source. Property owners can look for rot in areas that are likely to get damp, like outside window frames, timber joists and basement subfloors. They should also check for any gaps or cracks.
If a hole is found the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. When the wood is dry it can be stained to match its surroundings. 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 otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet decay is easy to identify because it usually has an unpleasant smell that is like soil that has been rotting. It is also softer and more pliable than wood that is uninfected. Dry rot is harder to recognize. This kind of fungus attack timber cells, causing them to break down and disintegrate.
Dry rot is often more difficult to fix than wet rot because it can penetrate deeper into the materials. However, it can still be prevented by finding the source of moisture and fixing it, such as the presence of a leak or getting into damp. It is also crucial to clean regularly your gutters to prevent water buildup that could cause leaks in the home or a flooded cellar.
The chance of rot can be reduced by keeping crawlspaces and basements dry and by using dehumidifiers. To prevent water from getting into gaps, they must regularly clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. They should also replace any damaged or cracked timbers.