Home Window Repair
A stray pebble from the lawnmower, a heavy drink placed on the glass-topped coffee table or a cracked window are just a few of the issues that could affect your home windows.
Fortunately, these problems can often be fixed by yourself without having to call an expert. These easy fixes won't win your home any beauty contests, but they'll keep your windows in tip-top form.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball or a strong winds can cause damage to windows, leaving your home vulnerable to the elements. It's not as complicated as it seems and replacing a single pane is much cheaper than purchasing a brand new window. With just a few tools and a keen care it is possible to replace a damaged window pane quickly and efficiently.
Wear safety glasses prior to when you begin. Clean the area around the glass window to remove any glass splinters or 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, take an utility knife and 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 much.
If you are using a new pane, it is recommended to cut it in a shop for hardware. This will ensure that the glass 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 contracts.
Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to keep the majority of single pane windows into place. Apply a generous amount of putty for glaziers to the frame of the wood around one side of the broken glass. Press glazier's points into putty around every six inches. This will secure the window in position and allow you to seal your frame later.
Before applying any type of putty, wet your finger with linseed oils and rub it across the surface of the wood. This will lubricate and make the putty easier to work with. Glazing putty has a limited shelf life and will dry out in time, so you should add some drops of linseed oil to the mix to extend its life. After the putty is wet, you can begin repair work on your window.
Broken Seals
Over time the rubber used to seal double-paned windows can be degraded. This can open the window open to moisture, which compromises its purpose and allows it to let in cold or warm humidity. The first sign that the seal has been damaged is fog or condensation between the two panes. A significant temperature difference between inside and outside your home is a further indication. A leaky seal can cause your windows to appear hazy or blurred as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.
Window replacement is the only way for restoring your windows to their original condition. Modern double-paned windows come with warranties and are easily replaced by the homeowner at no extra cost.
If your windows are covered under warranty, you should make use of it as soon as you can. This will save you money on a complete replacement. The warranty covers all work and materials required to repair or replace your windows.
While you can replace your windows at home, the process is complicated and requires specialized tools. Calling 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 from moisture, cold air, and hot sun.
A window replacement can also help you save money on your energy costs. By replacing old windows with double paned ones you can cut down on your energy bills for cooling and heating. Furthermore, the insulation of newer windows is higher and provides an enviable environment for your home. The only downside to a window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this could be offset with the savings you'll see on your electricity bill over time.
Sashes that won't open
A sash that doesn't open can be more than an inconvenience. It can be a danger. The sash could slam down in a sudden manner, causing damage to everything on the sill, including pets and children. Fortunately, double-hung and single-hung windows are designed with balance mechanisms that keep the sash upright and away from the jambs. It could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to the mechanism or that it needs to be reset or locked.
Begin by determining whether repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will move. If it isn't moving you can try putting an instrument that is placed on the rail between the upper and lower sashes meet to pull them apart. If the window moves, remove the sash from the window and place it on a flat surface to reach the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose only in the smallest of places it is possible to use a utility knife to cut the spline apart at the corners. If the spline is torn or broken off entirely, you'll need to replace it.
If the sash continues to be stuck, it might be necessary to remove the front trim piece. There are tools specifically designed for this in hardware stores that can help you with this, but a putty knife can help. You'll also have to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels using your cutting tool, and then remove any screws that keep 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 likely that the balance shoe has slid to the bottom of the frame. It's simple to fix this by marking the location of the hinge channel, then unscrew. Fill the screw holes with wood filler or epoxy and scrape them smooth before installing the channel. Once the hinge channel is back in place, just reset the balance pin by moving it up to the "U" position. Reposition the sash to align with the balance and check it again.
Wood Rot
Wood rot isn't just an eyesore but it can also cause structural damage to a property. Wet and dry rot are two of the various forms. Both cases are caused by a combination moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry rot can be repaired, though they're best stopped at the source. Property owners can check for decay in areas that are likely to be damp, such as outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. It is also recommended to inspect the wood where there are gaps and cracks.
If a hole is found the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. Once the wood has dries, it should be stained to match the surrounding material. If you decide to use a wood stain it is important to test the product on a small patch of the filler before applying. This will ensure the stain will not change color, corrode, or alter the appearance of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to detect because it usually has an unpleasant smell that is like soil that has been rotting. It is also soft and more comfortable to feel than wood that is uninfected. Dry rot however it can be difficult to recognize. This type of fungus attacks wood cells, making them fragment and break down.
Dry rot can be more difficult to fix because it can get deeper. It can be prevented, however by identifying and repairing the source of moisture, like a leak or damp that is penetrating. It is also important to clean regularly your gutters to prevent accumulation of water that could lead to leaks in the home or in a cellar that is flooded.
Homeowners can reduce the risk of rot by keeping windows open and using a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces. To stop water from entering gaps, they should periodically clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. They must also replace any damaged or cracked timbers.