Home Window Repair
Your windows at home can be affected by a small pebble from your lawnmowers' plow or heavy glass that sits on the top of the coffee table.
These issues can be repaired by you without calling an expert. upvc repairs may not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they will keep your windows in top condition.
Broken Panes
A strong wind can cause damage to the window panes, making you exposed to weather. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you might think, and it's a much cheaper fix than purchasing an entirely new window or hiring an expert. With just a few tools and a keen attention to detail it is possible to replace a damaged window pane quickly and effectively.
Before you begin working take off the safety glasses and clear the area around the window of glass splinters as well as glass chards. Remove any paint or varnish from the frame of wood. Remove the saddle bars from the metal sash. Then with a utility knife to carefully cut away the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to cut the lead on the existing pane, and don't try to break the glass too much.
If you are using a new pane, it's best to have it cut in a shop for hardware. This will ensure that the glass is of the correct size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual dimensions of the opening for the glass because wood expands and contracts.
The majority of single pane windows are held in place by glazing putty as well as small metal clips referred to as glazier's point. Apply a generous amount of glaziers putty around the broken glass on the frame of the wood. Press glazier's points into the putty about every six inches. This will keep the window in position and allow you to seal your frame later.
Linseed can be used to dampen your fingers and then run it across the wood surface prior to applying any putty. This will help lubricate the wood and make the putty more manageable to use. Glazing putty is a finite product and will dry over time. Add a few drops of in linseed to extend its shelf life. Once the putty has been wet, you can begin fixing your window.
Broken Seals
Over time the rubber used to seal double-paned windows can break down. This makes the window more vulnerable to moisture, compromising its purpose and allowing it to let in cold or warm humidity. The first sign of a faulty seal is condensation or fog between the two panes of glass. Another indication is a difference in the temperature between your home and the outside. Finally, a damaged seal will cause your windows to appear blurred or discolored as the vacuum-sealed gas argon escapes.
A window replacement is the only way to bring your windows back to their original condition. Fortunately, many modern double-paned windows are backed by warranties and can be replaced at no additional cost to the homeowner.
When your windows are under warranty, you should avail this benefit as soon as you can to save on the cost of a complete replacement. The warranty will cover the materials and labor required to repair or replace windows.
While you can replace your windows at home, the process is complicated and requires special tools. The best choice is to contact a professional window installer. They'll handle all of the cleaning, removal and the reinstallation of your windows, all 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 help you save money on your energy costs. Replacement of older windows with modern double pane windows can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. Plus the insulation of modern windows is better 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 can see on your electricity bill over time.
Sashes That Won't Open
A sash that doesn't open is more than just a nuisance. It can also be dangerous. The sash could close in a flash and damage anything on the sill, including pets and children. Double-hung and single-hung windows include balancing mechanisms that keep the sash away from the jambs. The problem could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to these mechanisms, or it may simply need to be reset or relocked.
To fix this issue, begin by testing the window to determine if it is moving. If it doesn't, employ a tool on the joint rail (where the upper and lower sashes come together) to try to pry the two sashes apart. If the window is moving and the sash is removed from the window and place it on an un-level surface to get at the sides. If the sash's spline is loose in some places, you can use a utility knife to break it up at the corners. If the spline has been torn off or completely broken it is necessary 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 will also be a good option. Utilizing your cutting tool score the paint seal that surrounds the sash channels. Remove the screws that hold the stops in place. Once this is done you'll be able to lift the sash out of the frame and then reposition it in a proper way.
If the sash stays stuck, the balance shoe may have fallen to the bottom of frame. Resetting this is easy: Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame, then unscrew it. Fill the screw holes with woodfiller or epoxy and smooth them out prior to installing the channel. Once the hinge channel is back in place, just lock the balance pin by moving it up to 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. Wet and dry rot are just two of the numerous types. In both cases the damage is caused by a combination of moisture as well as fungus. Both wet and dry rot can be repaired but it's best to stop it at the source. Property owners can check for rot in areas that are likely to become damp, like outside window frames, timber joists and basement subfloors. They should also examine the wood in any gaps or cracks.
If a hole has been discovered the hole should be cleaned using a water-resistant filler for wood and then filled. Once the wood has dries and is stained, it must be repainted to match the surrounding material. If you use a wood stain it is important to test the product on a small portion of the filler before applying. This will ensure the stain doesn't change color, corrode, or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.
Wet rot is easy to detect because it usually has a musty smell like soil that has been rotting. It's also more supple than timber that isn't affected, making it easier to feel it with your hand. Dry rot, on the other hand it can be difficult to detect. This type of fungus eats the cells within timber which causes them to disintegrate and break down.
Dry rot is often more difficult to repair than wet rot because it can get deeper into the material. It can be prevented however, by finding and fixing the cause of moisture, such as leaks or damp that penetrate. It's also important to regularly clear gutters of obstructions to avoid a buildup of water that could cause leaks around the home or a basement that's flooded.
Homeowners can also lower the risk of rot by keeping windows open and installing a dehumidifier into crawl spaces and basements. To prevent water from getting into gaps, they should periodically clean the caulking and sealant around doors and windows. In addition they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.