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Home Window Repair A pebble from the lawnmower or a large drink set on the coffee table with a glass top or a broken window are only a few problems that could be affecting your home windows. Fortunately, these issues can be solved on your own without calling for a professional. These easy fixes may not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they will keep your windows in good condition. Broken Panes A stray ball or 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 windows or hiring an expert. With just a few tools and some careful attention to detail it is possible to replace a damaged window pane in a short time and with efficiency. Before you begin your work take off the safety glasses and clear the area around the window of glass splinters as well as glass chards. Remove any varnish or paint from the frame of wood. If you have a metal sash with saddle bars, you need to remove them too. Then with a utility knife to carefully cut away the trim from the window frames. Be sure not to pierce the lead of the current pane, and don't try to crack the glass itself too often. If you're using a brand new pane, cut it at an establishment that sells hardware to ensure that it is the right size. You must subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening to accommodate the glass. This is because wood expands and contracts. Most single pane windows are held in place by a glaze putty and tiny metal clips, referred to as glazier's points. Apply a generous amount glazier's glue to the frame of the wood around one side of the glass that has been broken. Press the glazier's point into the putty every six inches. This will keep the window in position and allow you to seal your frame later. Before you apply any putty, moisten your fingers with linseed oil and then run it over the wood's surface. This will lubricate and make the putty easier to work with. Glazing putty is limited in its shelf life and can dry out over time, so add some drops of linseed oil to the mix to extend its life. When the putty is dry and you are ready to begin fixing your window. Broken Seals Over time the rubber used to seal double-paned windows will break down. This leaves the window susceptible to moisture, which compromises its function and allowing in warm or cold humidity. The first indication that a seal has broken is fog or condensation between the two panes. Another indication is a variation in the temperature between your home and outside. A damaged seal could cause your windows to appear hazy or appear distorted as the sealed gas escapes. upvc window repair is the only way to bring your windows back to their original condition. Thankfully, many modern double-paned windows are backed by warranties and can be replaced at no extra cost to homeowners. If your windows are covered by warranty, you should make use of it whenever you can. This will save you money on a full replacement. The warranty will cover labor and materials required to repair or replace windows. While you can replace your windows at home however, the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized tools. The best choice is to hire a professional window installer. They'll handle all of the cleaning, removal and reinstallation of your windows while ensuring they are properly glazed and insulated to protect your home from moisture, cold air and hot sun. A window replacement can help you save money on your energy costs. Replacement of older windows with modern double pane windows can significantly reduce your cooling and heating costs. Furthermore, modern windows offer better insulation and create the most comfortable living space. The only downside of replacing windows is the initial cost. However, this could be offset by the savings you can be able to see on your electric bill over time. Sashes That Won't Open A sash that isn't opening is more than just an inconvenience. It could also be a risk. The sash could slam down unexpectedly, damaging everything on the sill, including children and pets. Double-hung and single-hung window designs come with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash from the jambs. The problem could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to these mechanisms, or it may just need to be reset or locked. Start by testing if the window will move. If it doesn't move then try using a tool on the meeting rail between the upper and lower sashes meet to pry them apart. If the window does move, remove the sash and place it on a work surface to access the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in only a few places, you can use a utility knife to cut it apart at the corners. If the spline has been torn or broken completely, you'll need to replace it. If the sash is still stuck, it could be necessary to remove the front trim piece. There are specific tools available at hardware stores to assist you with this, but a putty knife can work. You'll also need to cut the paint seal around the sash channels with your cutting tool and 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 reposition it correctly. If the sash is still stuck, it's likely the balance shoe has moved towards the bottom of the frame. It's easy to reset this way: mark the location of the hinge channel, then unscrew. Fill the holes in the screws with epoxy or wood filler and then scrape them clean before installing the channel. Once the hinge channel is back in place, just relock the balance pin by advancing it into the “U” position. Reposition the sash to align with the balance and test it again. Wood Rot Wood rot isn't just an eyesore It can also cause serious structural damage to your property. Dry and wet rot are two of various types. Both cases are caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Dry and wet rots can be fixed however, it is best to stop them at the source. Property owners should look for signs of rot on areas that are prone to getting damp, like outside window frames as well as timber beams and basement subfloors. It is also recommended to inspect wood wherever there are gaps and cracks. If a hole is found the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. After the wood has dried, it should be stained to match the surrounding material. It is important to test a stain on wood on a small portion of the filler material prior applying it. This will ensure that the stain does not change color, corrode, or alter the look of your woodwork. Wet decay is easy to identify and is often characterized by an unpleasant smell that is like soil that has been rotting. It's also softer and more comfortable to feel than wood that is not infected. Dry rot however is more difficult to recognize. This type of fungus attacks the wood cells, causing them to break down and then disintegrate. Dry rot can be more difficult to repair as it can penetrate into the deeper levels. However, it can still be prevented by finding the source of moisture and repairing it, for instance, a leak or getting into damp. It's also helpful to clean out gutters regularly of obstructions to avoid a accumulation of water that can lead to leaks around the house or a basement that's flooded. The risk of rot can be reduced by keeping basements and crawlspaces dry and by using dehumidifiers. To prevent water from entering gaps, they must regularly clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. They should also replace any cracked or damaged timbers.