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10 Quick Tips To Window Repair
Home Window Repair

A lawnmower's pebble, a heavy drink placed on the coffee table with a glass top or a cracked window are just a few problems that could be affecting your windows at home.

Fortunately, these issues can be solved by yourself without having to call for a professional. These easy fixes won't be winning your home any beauty contests, but they can keep your windows in top condition.

Broken Panes

A baseball or a strong wind can cause damage to the window panes, making you exposed to the elements. It's not as complicated as it may seem, and replacing just one pane is much cheaper than purchasing a new window. With just a few tools and some careful attention to detail you can repair a damaged window pane quickly and effectively.

Before you begin work begin, put on a pair of safety goggles and clear the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Remove any varnish or paint from the wood frame. If you have a sash made from metal with saddle bars, take them off. them as well. Then, using a utility blade, carefully pry away the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to damage any lead on the existing glass, and be careful not to crack it too much.

If you're using a fresh pane, have it cut at an establishment that sells hardware to ensure that it is the right size. Be sure to subtract 1/8 inch from the actual dimensions of the opening for the glass since wood expands and contracts.


Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to keep most single pane windows in place. Apply a liberal amount of putty for glaziers to the frame of the wood around one side of the glass that has been broken. Press the glazier's point into the putty every six inches. This will keep the window in position and allow you to seal the frame later.

Before applying any putty, dampen your finger with linseed oil and run it across the surface of the wood. This will help lubricate the wood and make the putty much easier to use. Glazing putty has a limited shelf life and can dry out over time, so be sure to add some drops of Linseed oil to the mix to extend its lifespan. Once the putty is moist and you are ready to begin fixing your window.

Broken Seals

Rubber used to seal double pane windows can wear out over time. This can open the window open to moisture, which impedes its function and allows it to let in cold or warm humidity. The first indication of a damaged seal is fog or condensation between the two glass panes. Another indication is a difference in temperature between your home and the outside. And finally, a broken seal can cause your windows to appear hazy or distorted as the vacuum-sealed argon gas escapes.

Window replacement is the only option to bring your windows back to their original condition. Many 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, take advantage of it whenever you can. This will save you money on a total replacement. The warranty will cover labor and materials required to repair or replace windows.

While you can install windows yourself, the procedure is complicated and requires specialized tools. Calling a professional installer is the best option. They will remove and clean your windows, while making sure that they are properly glazed and insulated and protect your home from moisture, cold air, and the scorching sun.

A window replacement can help you save money on your energy bills. Replacing old windows with new double pane windows can dramatically cut your heating and cooling costs. Plus, the insulation of newer windows is higher and they create an enviable environment for your home. The only downside to a window replacement is the initial cost, but this can be offset by the long-term savings on your electricity bills.

Sashes that won't open

A sash that isn't opening can be more than an inconvenience. It can be a danger. The sash may close suddenly and cause damage to anything on the sill, such as children and pets. Fortunately, double-hung and single-hung windows are designed with balance mechanisms which keep the sash in place and away from the jambs. The problem may be that the sash isn't connected to these mechanisms, or it could require a 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 pry the two sashes off. If the window does move, take off the sash from the frame and set it on a work surface to reach the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in the smallest of places it is possible to use a utility knife to cut the spline at the corners. If the spline is torn or broken completely it is necessary to replace it.

If the sash remains stuck, you may have to take off the front stop trim piece. There are specific tools available at hardware stores to help you with this, but a putty knife will also work. You'll also have to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels with your cutting tool, and then remove screws that keep the stops in place. After this, you can remove the sash from the frame and move it to a new position.

If the sash remains stuck and the balance shoe is not moving, it could have slid down to the bottom of the frame. Resetting it is simple: Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame and then remove it. Fill the screw holes with woodfiller or epoxy, and smooth them out before reinstalling channel. Once the hinge channel is in place, simply reset the balance pin by advancing it to the "U" position. Reposition the sash so that it is aligned with balance, and then verify the window.

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 and fungus. Both wet and dried decay can be treated. However, it is best to stop them at the source. Property owners can check for rot in areas that are likely to get damp, such as outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. They should also inspect the for any cracks or gaps.

If you find a hole the hole should be cleaned using a water-resistant filler for wood and then filled. Once the wood is dry it can be stained to match the surrounding. It is crucial to test a stain on wood on a small portion of the filler material prior applying it. This will ensure that the stain will not alter color, corrode, or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.

Wet rot is easy to spot, as it often has an unpleasant odor that is similar to soil that is rotting. It's also more supple than uninfected timber which makes it easier to feel it with your hand. Dry rot is harder to spot. This kind of fungus attack wood cells, making them disintegrate and break down.

Dry rot is typically more difficult to repair than wet rot due to the fact that it can get deeper into the material. It can be prevented, however, by finding and fixing the cause of moisture, for instance leaks or damp that penetrate. It is also important to regularly clean out your gutters to prevent the buildup of water that can cause leaks in your home or in a cellar that is flooded.

Homeowners can reduce the risk of rot by keeping windows closed and using a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces. To prevent water from getting into gaps, they should periodically clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. Additionally, upvc door repairs near me should replace cracked or damaged timbers.

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