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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 the coffee table. Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed at home without having to call for a professional. These simple fixes might not win you any beauty contests for your home, but they'll keep your windows in top shape. Broken Panes A strong wind can cause damage to your window panes, leaving you exposed to the elements. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you think and is a cheaper fix than purchasing a new window or hiring an expert. With a few tools and a keen care you can repair a broken window pane quickly and efficiently. Before you begin work begin, 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 varnish or paint from the wood. If you have a sash made from metal with saddle bars, you need to remove them too. Next, put on a utility knife and carefully pry the trim away from the window frames. Be careful not to pierce any lead on the existing glass and do not try to break it too badly. If you're using a new pane, have it cut at a hardware store to ensure that it is the right size. You should subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening in order 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 in place. Apply a substantial amount of glaziers ' putty on the broken glass on the wood frame. Press the glazier's pointed into the putty every six inches. This will keep the window in place and permit you to reseal the frame later. Linseed can be used to dampen your fingers and then run it across the wood surface before applying any putty. This will make the wood lubricated and the putty more manageable to use. Glazing putty is a limited product that will dry over time. Add a few drops linseed to the mix to prolong its shelf life. Once the putty has a good amount of moisture, you can begin repairing your window. Broken Seals The rubber used to seal double paned windows can wear out over time. This makes the window more vulnerable to moisture, which can compromise its function and allowing in cold or warm humidity. The first sign of a faulty seal is fog or condensation between the two glass panes. A noticeable temperature difference between the outside and inside your home is a further indication. A leaky seal can cause your windows to appear cloudy or blurred as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes. Window replacement is the only way to bring your windows back to their original state. Many double-paned modern windows come with warranties and can be easily replaced by the homeowner at no additional cost. If your windows are covered by warranty, it is important to take advantage of this option as soon as you can to save on the cost of a full replacement. The warranty covers all work and materials required to repair or replace your windows. Although upvc window repairs can repair windows by yourself, the process is complicated and requires specialized tools. The best option is to hire a professional window installer. They'll take care of the cleaning, removal, and the reinstallation of your windows, all while ensuring that they are properly glazed and insulated to protect your home from the effects of moisture, cold air and hot sun. Window replacement can also save money on your energy costs. Replacing old windows with new double pane windows will significantly cut your heating and cooling costs. Additionally, the insulation of newer windows is higher and they provide the most comfortable living space in your home. The only drawback to a window replacement is the upfront price, but this can be offset by the long-term savings on your electric bills. Sashes that won't slide open A sash window that isn't able to open is more than an inconvenience – it could be dangerous. The sash could slam down unexpectedly, damaging any item on the sill, including children and pets. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows have balanced mechanisms that keep the sash up and out of the way of the jambs. The issue could be that the sash isn't properly connected to these mechanisms, or it may require a reset or locked. To fix this, start by examining the window and check if it moves. If it doesn't move you can try putting a tool on the meeting rail where the upper and lower sashes join to break them apart. If the window does move, unhook the sash and place it on a surface to get access to the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in only a few spots You can use a utility knife to cut the spline at the corners. If the spline has been broken or torn and is broken, you'll need to replace it. If the sash is still stuck, it may be necessary to cut off the front trim piece. There are specific tools available in hardware stores that can help you do this, but a putty knife can help. You'll also have to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels with your cutting tool and remove screws that keep the stops in their place. After this is completed you'll be able lift the sash off the frame and reposition it correctly. If the sash remains stuck, it's a sign that the balance shoe has moved towards the bottom of the frame. It's easy to reset this: Mark the position of the hinge channel, then remove the screw. Fill the screwholes with woodfiller or epoxy, and smooth them out before reinstalling channel. Relock the balance pin once the hinge channel has been reinstated by putting it into the “U-position”. Reposition the sash to align with the balance and test it again. Wood Rot Wood rot can cause structural damage to the structure of a house. It takes several forms such as dry and wet rot. Both of these are caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dry rots can be fixed however, it is best to stop them at the source. Property owners should inspect for signs of rot on areas that are at risk of becoming damp, such as outside window frames, timber beams, and basement subfloors. They should also examine wood wherever there are cracks or gaps. If a hole is found the area should be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. After the wood is dry and is stained, it must be repainted to match the surrounding material. It's important to test a stain on wood on a small part of the filler material before applying it. This will ensure that the stain won't alter color, corrode or alter the final appearance of your woodwork. Wet rot is easy to detect because it usually has an unpleasant odor that is similar to soil that is rotting. It's also softer than timber that isn't affected and is therefore easier to feel with your hand. Dry rot is more difficult to recognize. This type of fungus eats the wood cells, causing them to break down and disintegrate. Dry rot is often more difficult to fix than wet rot because it can get deeper into the material. It can be prevented however, by identifying and repairing the source of moisture, for instance a leak or damp that is penetrating. It is also essential to clean your gutters to avoid accumulation of water that could lead to leaks in the home or in a cellar that is flooded. The risk of rot could 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. In addition, they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.