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Home Window Repair

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

Fortunately, these problems can be solved at home without having to call in a professional. These simple fixes might 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 exposed to the elements. It's not as complicated as it seems, and replacing just one pane is much cheaper than buying a new window. It is possible to replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily by using just a few tools.

Before you begin work take off a pair of safety goggles and clean the area around the window of glass splinters as well as glass chards. Take any paint or varnish from the frame of wood. Remove the saddle bars from a steel sash. Then, you can put on an utility knife and remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to cut the lead of the current pane, and don't try to crack the glass itself too much.

If you're using a brand new pane, have it cut at an establishment that sells hardware to ensure the proper size. You must subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening to accommodate the glass. This is because wood expands and contract.

Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to hold the majority of single pane windows in place. Apply a generous amount of glaziers ' putty on the broken glass on the frame of the wood. Press the glazier's point into the putty every six inches. This will keep the window in place and allow you to seal your frame later.

You can use linseed to dampen your fingers and then run it across the wood surface prior to applying any putty. This will help to lubricate the glue and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty has a limited shelf life and will dry out over time, so be sure to add some drops of Linseed oil to the mix to extend its life. When the putty is dry it is time to begin repairing your window.

Broken Seals

The rubber used to seal double paned windows can wear out over time. upvc window repairs leaves the window susceptible to moisture, which compromises its function and allowing in cold or warm humidity. The first indication of a damaged seal is fog or condensation between the two panes of glass. A noticeable difference in temperature between the outside and inside your home is a different indication. And finally, a broken seal can cause your windows to appear hazy or discolored as the vacuum-sealed argon gas escapes.





A window replacement is the only way to bring your windows back to their original condition. Many modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and can be replaced by the homeowner at no extra cost.

If your windows are under warranty, you should take advantage of this option immediately to save on the cost of a complete replacement. The warranty will cover the materials and labor required to repair or replace windows.

While windows can be replaced at home, the process is complicated and requires special tools. The best choice is to contact an experienced window installer. They'll handle all of the cleaning, removal, and installation 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.

A window replacement can also help you save money on your energy costs. Replacement of older windows with modern double pane windows will significantly reduce your cooling and heating costs. Plus the insulation of modern windows is higher and they provide the most comfortable living space in your home. The only downside of the window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this could be offset by the savings you will be able to see on your electric bill over time.

Sashes that won't open

A sash window that isn't able to open poses more than just a nuisance - it can be dangerous. The sash could slam down unexpectedly, damaging everything on the sill, including pets and children. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows are constructed with balancing mechanisms which keep the sash in place and out of the way of the jambs. The problem could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to these mechanisms, or it could simply need to be reset or locked.

Begin by determining if the window will move. If it doesn't, employ an instrument at the junction rail (where the upper and lower sashes meet together) to try to break the two sashes apart. If the window does move, remove the sash from the frame and set it on a work surface to reach 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 apart at the corners. If the spline has been torn or completely broken, you'll need to replace it.

If the sash continues to be stuck, it might be necessary to cut off the front trim piece. Hardware stores carry tools to do this. A putty blade will also work. With your cutting tool, cut the paint seal that encircles the sash channels. Remove the screws that hold the stops in their place. After that, you can lift the sash from the frame and reposition the sash.

If the sash remains stuck, it's likely the balance shoe has slid to the bottom of the frame. It's easy to reset this by marking the location of the hinge channel and unscrew. Fill the screwholes with epoxy or woodfiller and smooth them out prior to reinstalling channel. Once the hinge channel is in place, just relock the balance pin by moving it into the "U" position. Reposition the sash so that it is aligned with the balance, and then try it again.

Wood Rot

Wood rot can cause structural damage to the structure of a house. Dry and wet rot are just two of the various forms. Both cases result from a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry rots can be fixed however, it is best to stop them at the source. Property owners should check for rot on areas that are prone to becoming damp, such as outside window frames timber beams, timber frames, and basement subfloors. They should also check wood in any cracks or gaps.

If a hole is discovered the area should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. After the wood is dry it is then stained to match the surrounding material. If you are using a wood stain, it's important to test the product on a small portion of the filler before applying. This will ensure that the stain won't alter color, corrode, or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.

Wet decay is easy to identify and is often characterized by a musty smell similar to rotting soil. It is also softer and more pliable than wood that is uninfected. Dry rot however it can be difficult to identify. This type of fungus attacks the cells within timber, causing them to break down and then disintegrate.

Dry rot is typically more difficult to repair than wet rot because it can penetrate deeper into the material. It can be prevented, however by finding and repairing the source of moisture, for instance leaks or damp that penetrate. It is also important 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 basements and crawlspaces dry and making use of dehumidifiers. To prevent water from getting into gaps, they should periodically clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. In addition, they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.