The Reasons You'll Want To Find Out More About Window Repair Home Window Repair

A lawnmower's pebble or a large glass of wine set on the glass-topped coffee table, or a shattered window are only a few issues that can plague windows in your home.

Fortunately, these issues can be solved on your own without calling an expert. These easy fixes won't win you any beauty contests, but they will keep your windows in top condition.

Broken Panes

A stray baseball or a strong wind can damage the window's pane, making your home vulnerable to the elements. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you might think, and it's a much cheaper fix than purchasing a new window or hiring an expert. With just a few tools and some careful care it is possible to replace the broken window pane quickly and effectively.

Before you begin working, put on safety goggles and clear the area around the window of glass splinters and glass chards. Clean the frame and get rid of any old paint or varnish from the wood. If you have a metal sash with saddle bars, take them off. them as well. Then, take a knife and slowly remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to damage any lead that is on the glass and don't try to break it too badly.

If you are using a brand new pane, it is best to cut it in a hardware shop. This will ensure that the glass is of the correct size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual size of the opening for the glass as wood expands and expands and contracts.

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

You can use linseed to dampen your fingers and then rub it across the wood surface before applying any putty. This will lubricate and make the putty much easier to use. Glazing putty is limited in its shelf life and will dry out in time, so you should add a few drops of linseed oil to the mix to prolong its life. Once the putty has been dampened, you can begin repair work on your window.

Broken Seals

Over time, the rubber used to seal double-paned windows can disintegrate. This can leave the window open to moisture, which impedes its purpose and allows it to let in cold or warm humidity. The first indication of a damaged seal is condensation or fog between the two glass panes. Another indication is a difference in temperature between your home and the outside. A damaged seal could cause windows to appear cloudy or blurred as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.

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

If your windows are covered by warranty, you should make use of it as soon as you can. This will save you money on a full replacement. The warranty will cover any costs for labor and materials to repair or replace your windows.

While you can install windows yourself, the procedure is complex and requires specialized tools. Calling a professional installer is the best option. They will remove, clean and reinstall your windows, while ensuring that they are properly glazed, insulated, and protect your home against the elements of cold air, moisture and hot sun.

window servicing can also save money on your energy costs. Replacement of older windows with modern double pane windows can dramatically reduce your heating and cooling costs. Furthermore 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 upfront cost, but this could be offset by the long-term savings on your electric bills.

Sashes that won't open

A sash that won't open can be more than a nuisance. It could also be a risk. The sash can slam shut suddenly and cause damage to anything on the sill, including children and pets. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows have balanced mechanisms which keep the sash in place and out of the way of the jambs. It could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to the mechanisms or it is in need of be reset or locked.

Start by testing if the window moves. If it doesn't, employ a tool on the joint rail (where the upper and lower sashes join together) to try to break the two sashes off. If the window does move, take off the sash and set it on a work surface to get access to the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in only a few places it is possible to employ a utility knife break it up at the corners. If the spline was damaged or torn away completely, you will need to replace it.

If the sash remains stuck, you might need to take off the front stop trim piece. There are specific tools available at hardware stores to assist you with this, but a putty knife can do the trick. With your cutting tool, score the paint seal that surrounds the sash channels. Then, remove any screws holding the stops in place. After this is done you'll be able remove the sash from the frame and then reposition it properly.

If the sash is still stuck, it's a sign that the balance shoe has moved to the bottom of the frame. It's simple to reset this by marking the location of the hinge channel, then unscrew. Fill the screwholes with epoxy or woodfiller and smooth them out prior to installing the channel. Relock the balance pin once the hinge channel is reinstalled 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 the structure of a house. It takes several forms that include dry and wet rot. Both cases result from a combination of moisture and fungus. Both dry and wet rot can be repaired. However, it's best to stop the cause. Property owners should look for decay in areas that are likely to become damp, like outside window frames, timber joists and basement subfloors. It is also recommended to inspect the wood where there are cracks or gaps.

If you find a hole the hole should be cleaned using a water-resistant filler for wood and then filled. After the wood has dried it is then stained to match the surrounding material. It is important to test a stain on wood on a small part of the filler material prior applying it. This will ensure the stain doesn't alter color, corrode, or otherwise alter the look of your woodwork.

Wet decay is easy to identify and is often characterized by an unpleasant smell that is similar to soil that is rotting. It is also soft and more comfortable to feel than wood that is uninfected. Dry rot however is more difficult to recognize. This type of fungus attacks wood cells, making them to break down and disintegrate.

Dry rot can be more difficult to repair as it can penetrate deeper. It can be prevented however, by finding and repairing the source of moisture, like leaks or damp that penetrate. It is also beneficial to regularly clear gutters of obstructions to prevent accumulation of water that can cause leaks around the home or a flooded basement.


The chance of rot can be minimized by keeping basements and crawlspaces dry and making use of dehumidifiers. To stop water from entering gaps, they should periodically clean the caulking and sealant around doors and windows. Additionally they should replace damaged or damaged timbers.