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Home Window Repair

Your windows at home can be affected by a sandstone from your lawnmowers or a heavy glass that sits on the top of the coffee table.

Fortunately, these issues can be solved at home without having to call in a professional. These easy fixes may not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they'll keep your windows in top shape.





Broken Panes

A baseball or a strong wind can damage the window panes, making you exposed to weather. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you think and it's a cheaper fix than purchasing an entirely new window or hiring an expert. With a few tools and some focus on the details, you can replace a damaged window pane quickly and effectively.

Wear safety glasses prior to when you begin and clean the area around the glass window of glass fragments or glass chards. Remove any old varnish or paint from the wood frame. If you have a metal sash with saddle bars, take them off. them too. Then, using a utility blade, carefully pry away the trim from the window frames. Be sure not to pierce the lead on the existing pane, and don't try to break the glass too excessively.

If you're using a brand new pane, you can have it cut at a hardware store to ensure that it is the right size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual size of the opening for the glass because wood expands and contracts.

Most single pane windows are secured by glazing putty as well as small metal clips called glazier's points. Apply a generous amount of glazier's putty to the frame of the wood around one side of the glass that has been broken. Press glazier's points into the putty about every six inches. This will secure the window in place and allow you to seal your frame later.

Before applying any putty, dampen your fingers with linseed oil and then run it over the surface of the wood. This will help to lubricate the glue and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty has a short shelf life and will dry out in time, so you should add the linseed oil to the mix to extend its life. After the putty is dampened, you can begin repair work on your window.

Broken Seals

Rubber used to seal double paned windows is prone to wear out over time. This leaves the window vulnerable to moisture, compromising its purpose and allowing it to let in warm or cold humidity. The first sign that the seal has been damaged is condensation or fog that forms between the two panes. Another sign is a variation in the temperature of your home and the outside. A damaged seal could cause windows to appear cloudy or blurred as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.

Window replacement is the only option to bring your windows back to their original state. Fortunately, most modern double-paned windows are backed by warranties and can be replaced without cost to homeowners.

If your windows are covered by warranty, avail the warranty as soon as possible. This will save you money on a full replacement. The warranty will cover all costs for labor and materials to repair or replace your windows.

While you can install windows yourself, the process is complex and requires special tools. Contacting a professional installer is the best choice. They will remove the old, clean and reinstall the windows, while making sure that they are properly glazed, insulated and protect your home against moisture, cold air, and hot sun.

Window replacement can also save you money on your energy bills. Replacement of older windows with modern double pane windows can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. Additionally the insulation of newer windows is superior and provides the most comfortable living space in your home. The only downside of the window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this 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 that won't open is more than just an inconvenience. It can be a danger. The sash may close in a flash and damage anything on the sill, including pets and children. Double-hung and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to keep the sash out of the jambs. The issue could be that the sash isn't connected to these mechanisms, or it may require a reset or relocked.

Start by testing if the window will move. If it doesn't then try using an instrument on the rail where the upper and lower sashes meet to pull them apart. If the window moves in any way, take the sash out of the window and place it on an un-level surface to access the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose only in a few spots, you can use an utility knife to cut the spline at the corners. If the spline was torn off or completely broken and is broken, you'll need to replace it.

If the sash remains stuck, you may have to take off the front stop trim piece. Hardware stores have tools to do this. A putty blade can also be a good option. You'll also have to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels with your cutting tool and remove screws that keep the stops in their place. Once RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is done you'll be able lift the sash off the frame and then reposition it properly.

If the sash stays stuck in the frame, the balance shoe could have slid down to the bottom of frame. It's easy to reset this: Mark the position of the hinge channel and unscrew. Fill the screwholes with woodfiller or epoxy, and smooth them before reinstalling channel. Relock the balance pin once the hinge channel is reinstated by putting it into the "U-position". Reposition the sash to align with the balance, and then check it again.

Wood Rot

Wood rot can cause structural damage to a home. It can take many forms, including wet and dry rot. In both instances, the damage is caused by a combination of moisture as well as fungus. Both wet and dry decay can be treated but it's best to stop it at the source. Property owners can look for rot in areas that are likely to be damp, like outside window frames, timber joists and basement subfloors. They should also inspect wood wherever there are cracks or gaps.

If a hole is discovered the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. After the wood is dry and is stained, it must be repainted to match the surrounding material. It is crucial to test the stain on a small part of the filler material prior applying it. This will ensure that the stain doesn't change color, corrode, or alter the appearance of your woodwork.

Wet rot can be easily identified by its musty odor that's similar to the smell of soil that is rotting. It's also softer than wood that isn't infected, making it easier to feel it with your fingers. Dry rot is more difficult to detect. This type of fungus attacks the cells within timber, causing them to disintegrate and break down.

Dry rot can be more difficult to repair because it can get further. It can be prevented, however by finding and fixing the cause of moisture, like a penetrating damp or leak. It is also beneficial to clean out gutters regularly of obstructions to avoid a accumulation of water that can cause leaks in the house or a basement that's flooded.

Homeowners can reduce the chance of rot by keeping windows closed and installing a dehumidifier into basements and crawl spaces. They should also make sure to clean the caulking or sealant around doors and windows to prevent water from getting into gaps. They should also replace any cracked or damaged timbers.