The Most Common Window Repair Mistake Every Newbie Makes Home Window Repair

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

These issues can be easily fixed by you without having to call a professional. These quick fixes may not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they'll keep your windows in good shape.

Broken Panes

A stray baseball or a strong wind can damage windows, leaving your home vulnerable to the elements. It's not as complicated as it seems, and replacing just one pane is much cheaper than purchasing a brand new window. With a few tools and some careful care, you can replace a damaged window pane quickly and effectively.

Wear safety glasses prior to when you begin. Clean the area around the glass window to remove any glass fragments or glass chards. Take any varnish or paint from the wood frame. If you have a sash made from metal with saddle bars, remove the saddle bars as well. Then with a utility knife to carefully cut away the trim from the window frames. Be careful to not pierce the lead on the existing pane, and don't try to break the glass too often.

If you are using a new pane, it is best to have it cut in a workshop for hardware. This will ensure that the glass is the right size. You must 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 large amount of glaziers putty around the broken glass on the frame of the wood. Press the glazier's point into the putty every six inches. This will hold the window in position and allow you to seal your frame later.

Before applying any putty, dampen your fingers with linseed oil and run it across the wood's surface. This will help lubricate the wood and make the putty more manageable to work with. Glazing putty has a short shelf life and can dry out over time, so add the Linseed oil to extend its life. Once the putty has a good amount of moisture and you are ready to begin fixing your window.

Broken Seals

Over time the rubber used to seal double-paned windows will be degraded. This could leave the window open to moisture, which compromises its function and allows in warm or cold 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 further indication. A damaged seal could cause windows to appear blurred or distorted as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.

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

If your windows are covered by warranty, take advantage of it as soon as you can. This will save you money on a complete replacement. The warranty will cover any labor and materials needed to repair or replace your windows.

While you can replace your windows at home, the process is complicated and requires specialized tools. Calling a professional installer is the best option. They'll handle all of the cleaning, removal and reinstallation of your windows while ensuring that they are properly glazed and insulated to protect your home from moisture hot sun and cold air.

A window replacement can also help you save money on your energy bills. Replacement of older windows with modern double pane windows can dramatically reduce your cooling and heating costs. Furthermore, the insulation of newer windows is superior and they create an enviable environment for your home. The only drawback of replacing your windows is the initial price, but this can be offset by the savings you will see on your electricity bills.

Sashes that won't slide open

A sash window that won't open is more than an inconvenience, it can be dangerous. The sash could close in a flash and damage anything on the sill, including children and pets. Single and double-hung window designs include balancing mechanisms that keep the sash out of the jambs. It could be that the sash is not been properly connected to the mechanism or it requires to be reset or relocked.

Begin by determining whether the window moves. If it doesn't move, try using an instrument that is placed on the rail where the lower and upper sashes join to break them apart. If upvc repair does move, take off the sash and set it on a work surface to access the sides. If the spline of the sash appears to be loose in only the smallest of places, you can use an utility knife to cut the spline at the corners. If the spline is damaged or broken off entirely and you need to replace it.

If the sash remains stuck, you may need to remove the front stop trim piece. There are specific tools available in hardware stores that can help you with this, but a putty knife will also help. You'll also need to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels using your cutting tool, and then remove screws that hold the stops in the frame. After this is done you'll be able to lift the sash out of the frame and move it in a proper way.

If the sash remains stuck and the balance shoe is not moving, it could have fallen down to the bottom of the frame. Resetting it is simple to mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame, then unscrew it. Fill the screwholes with woodfiller or epoxy, and smooth them out before installing the channel. Relock the balance pin once the hinge channel is installed by putting it in the "U-position". Reposition the sash to ensure that it is in alignment with the balance, and then test the window.

Wood Rot

Wood rot can cause structural damage to a property. It comes in a variety of forms such as dry and wet rot. In both cases, the damage is caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry rots can be fixed but it's best to stop it at the source. Property owners should check for signs of rot on areas that are prone to getting damp, such as windows outside, timber beams, and basement subfloors. It is also recommended to inspect wood wherever there are gaps and cracks.

If there is a hole 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 stain for wood it is essential to test the product on a small area of the filler prior to applying. This will ensure the stain doesn't change color, corrode, or alter the appearance of your woodwork.

Wet decay is easy to identify, as it often has a musty smell similar to rotting soil. It's also softer than wood that isn't infected, making it easier to feel it with your fingers. Dry rot, on the other hand is more difficult to recognize. This kind of fungus attack wood cells, making them disintegrate and break down.

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 identifying and fixing the source of moisture, like a penetrating damp or leak. It is also important to clean your gutters to prevent accumulation of water that could lead to leaks within your home or a basement that has been flooded.

Homeowners can also reduce the chance of rot by keeping windows closed and utilizing a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces. They should also make sure to clean the sealant or caulking around windows and doors to prevent water from entering into gaps. Additionally, they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.