Test: How Much Do You Know About Window Repair? updated blog post from the lawnmower or a large drink set on the coffee table with a glass top or a cracked window are just a few issues that can plague your windows at home.

These issues can be easily solved by you, without the need to call a professional. These simple fixes won't win your home any beauty contests, but they will keep your windows in good form.

Broken Panes


A rogue baseball or heavy wind can damage a window pane, leaving your home vulnerable to elements. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you think, and it's a much cheaper option than buying windows or hiring an expert. It is possible to replace a broken pane of glass quickly and easily using just a few tools.

Before you begin your work, put on the safety glasses and clear the area around the window of glass splinters as well as glass chards. Take any varnish or paint from the frame of wood. If you have a sash made from metal with saddle bars, remove the saddle bars as well. Then using a utility knife to carefully cut away the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to pierce any lead that is on the glass and do not try to crack it too much.

If you're using a new pane, you can 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 accommodate the glass. This is because wood expands and contracts.

Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to keep 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 the glazier's point into putty every six inches. This will keep the window in place and allow you to reseal your frame later.

Before applying any putty, dampen your finger with linseed oil and rub it across the wood's surface. This will help lubricate the wood and make the putty much easier to work with. Glazing putty is a limiting product and will dry over time. Add a few drops of in linseed to prolong its shelf-life. Once the putty has a good amount of moisture it is time to begin repairing your window.

Broken Seals

As time passes, the rubber used to seal double-paned windows may be degraded. This makes the window more susceptible to moisture, which compromises its purpose and allowing it to let in cold air or warm humidity. The first indication that a seal has broken is condensation or fog between the two panes. Another indication is a variation in the temperature between your home and the outside. Finally, a damaged seal can cause windows to appear hazy or discolored as the vacuum-sealed argon gas escapes.

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

If your windows are covered by warranty, it is important to avail this benefit as soon as possible to avoid the expense of a complete replacement. The warranty covers all costs for labor and materials to repair or replace your windows.

While you can replace your windows on your own however, the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized tools. The best option is to contact a professional window installer. They'll handle all of the removal, cleaning and installation of your windows, while ensuring that they are properly glazed and insulated to protect your home from the effects of moisture, cold air and hot sun.

A window replacement could also help you save money on your energy costs. By replacing older windows with double paned windows, you can reduce your cooling and heating bills. Furthermore, modern windows offer better insulation and create the most comfortable living space. The only downside of the window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this can be offset by the savings you'll notice on your electricity bill in the future.

Sashes that won't open

A sash window that doesn't open is more than an inconvenience - it could 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 come with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash out of the jambs. It could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to the mechanism or it is in need of be reset or locked.

To fix this, begin by examining the window to determine if it is moving. If it doesn't move then try using an instrument on the rail where the upper and lower sashes meet to pull them apart. If the window is moving in any way, take the sash out of the window and place it on an un-level surface to get at the sides. If the spline of the sash appears to be loose only in a few spots, you can use an utility knife to cut the spline apart at the corners. If the spline is torn or broken completely, you'll need to replace it.

If the sash is still stuck, it might be necessary to take off the front trim piece. There are tools specifically designed for this at hardware stores to help you do this, but a putty knife will also help. You'll also have to cut the paint seal around the sash channels using your cutting tool and remove screws that keep the stops in place. After this, you can lift the sash from the frame and then reposition it.

If the sash stays stuck and the balance shoe is not moving, it could have slid down to the bottom of the frame. It's easy to reset it to mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame and unscrew it. Fill the screw holes with epoxy or wood filler and then scrape them clean before reinstalling the channel. Lock the balance pin when the hinge channel has been reinstated by putting it in the "U-position". Reposition the sash until it is aligned with the balance, and then check the window.

Wood Rot

Wood rot can cause structural damage to a home. It can take many forms such as dry and wet rot. In both cases, the damage is caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dried decay can be treated. However, it's best to stop the cause. Property owners can look for the presence of rot in areas likely to be damp, such as outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. They should also examine the wood where there are cracks or gaps.

If a hole is found, the area should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood is dry, it can be stained to match the surrounding. If you are using stain for wood it is important to test the product on a small portion of the filler before applying. This will ensure that the stain will not change color, corrode, or alter the look of your woodwork.

Wet rot is easy to detect, as it often has an unpleasant odor that is similar to rotting soil. It's also softer and more pliable than wood that is not infected. Dry rot is more difficult to spot. This kind of fungus attacks the wood cells, causing them to break down and disintegrate.

Dry rot is more difficult to fix because it can get into the deeper levels. It can be avoided, however, by identifying and fixing the cause of moisture, like a penetrating damp or leak. It is also essential to clean your gutters to prevent the buildup of water that can cause leaks in the home or in a cellar that is flooded.

The risk 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 cracked or damaged timbers.