Seven Explanations On Why Window Repair Is Important Home Window Repair

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

These issues can be easily repaired by you without calling an expert. These simple fixes might not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they'll keep your windows in good condition.

Broken Panes

A stray baseball or a strong winds can cause damage to a window pane, leaving your home vulnerable to the elements. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you think and is a less expensive option than purchasing a new window or hiring an expert. You can replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily by using the use of a few tools.

Wear safety glasses prior to when you begin. Clean the area around the glass window of glass fragments or glass chards. Take any paint or varnish from the wood frame. If you have a metal sash with saddle bars, take them off. them as well. Next, put on an utility knife and remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to cut any lead in the existing glass and don't try to break it too much.

If you're using a fresh pane, have it cut at an hardware store to ensure it's the correct size. You should subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening to allow for the glass. This is because wood expands and contracts.

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

Linseed can be used to moisten your finger and then rub it across the wood surface prior to applying any putty. This will lubricate and make the putty more manageable to use. Glazing putty is a limiting product that will dry over time. Add a few drops in linseed to prolong its shelf-life. When the putty is dry it is time to begin repairing your window.

Broken Seals

Rubber used to seal double pane windows can wear out over time. The window is then vulnerable to moisture, which can compromise its purpose and allowing in cold air or warm humidity. The first indication of a damaged seal is fog or condensation between the two glass panes. A noticeable difference in temperature between the outside and inside your home is a different indication. A leaky seal can cause your windows to appear blurred or appear distorted as the sealed gas escapes.

A window replacement is the only way to get your windows back to their original condition. Thankfully, many modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and can be replaced at no additional cost to homeowners.

If your windows are under warranty, you should avail this benefit immediately to save on the cost of a full replacement. The warranty will cover all costs for labor and materials to repair or replace your windows.

While windows can be replaced by yourself, the process is complicated and requires specialized tools. The best solution is to contact a professional window installer. They will remove and clean your windows, while making sure that they are properly glazed and insulated and protect your home against moisture, cold air, and hot sun.

A window replacement can help you save money on your energy bills. By replacing old windows with double paned ones will help you save on heating and cooling bills. Plus the insulation of modern windows is better and provides the most comfortable living space in your home. The only downside to the 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 window that doesn't open poses more than just a nuisance - it can be a risk. The sash can fall down unexpectedly, damaging any item on the sill, including children and pets. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows are constructed with balanced mechanisms that keep the sash up and out of the way of the jambs. It could be that the sash is not been properly connected to the mechanisms or it requires to be reset or relocked.

Start by testing if the window moves. If window refurbishment doesn't, you can use an instrument at the junction rail (where the upper and lower sashes come together) to try to break the two sashes away. If the window is moving, remove the sash from the window and place it on a flat surface to reach the sides. If the sash's spline is loose in one or two places, you can use a utility knife to cut it apart at the corners. If the spline has been torn or completely broken, you'll need to replace it.

If the sash is stuck, you might need to take off the front stop trim piece. Hardware stores carry tools for this. A putty knife will also work. With your cutting tool, score the paint seal that encircles the sash channels. Remove any screws holding the stops in their place. After this, you can remove the sash from its frame and then reposition it.

If the sash remains stuck, the balance shoe may have slid down to the bottom of frame. It's simple to fix this way: mark the location of the hinge channel, then remove the screw. Fill the screw holes with wood filler or epoxy and then scrape them clean before installing the channel. Relock the balance pin once the hinge channel has been reinstated by moving it into the "U-position". Reposition the sash so that it is aligned with balance, and then verify the window.

Wood Rot

Wood decay isn't just an eye-sore It can also cause serious structural damage to property. Wet and dry rot are two of the various types. In both cases, the damage is caused by a combination of moisture as well as fungus. Both wet and dry decay can be treated but it's best to stop it at the source. Property owners can check for the presence of rot in areas likely to become damp, like outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. It is also recommended to inspect wood anywhere there are gaps and cracks.

If there is a hole the hole should be cleaned using an water-resistant wood filler then filled. Once the wood is dry and dries, it can be stained to match the surrounding. It is important to test a stain on wood on a small portion of the filler material prior to applying it. This will ensure that the stain won't alter color, corrode, or otherwise alter the finished look of your woodwork.


Wet rot is easy to detect, as it often 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, on the other hand, can be 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 because it can penetrate further. It can be prevented, however by finding and fixing the cause of moisture, for instance a penetrating damp or leak. It's also helpful to regularly clear gutters of obstructions to avoid a buildup of water that could cause leaks around the house or a flooded basement.

Homeowners can reduce the chance of rot by keeping windows open and using a dehumidifier in crawl spaces and basements. They should also ensure to regularly clean the caulking or sealant around windows and doors to stop water from getting into gaps. Additionally they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.