Home Window Repair

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

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

Broken Panes

A stray baseball or a strong winds can cause damage to windows, leaving your home vulnerable to elements. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you might think and it's a cheaper option than buying windows or hiring an expert. With a few tools and some attention to detail, you can replace a damaged window pane in a short time and with efficiency.

Wear safety goggles before you begin and clean the area around the glass window of glass fragments or glass chards. Clean the frame and take off any old paint or varnish from the wood. If you have a sash made of metal with saddle bars, take them off. the saddle bars as well. Then using a utility knife to carefully cut away the trim from the window frames. Be sure not to pierce the lead on the existing pane, and don't attempt to break the glass too much.

If you're using a brand new pane, have it cut at an establishment that sells hardware to ensure that it is the right size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual dimensions of the opening to the glass since wood expands and contracts.

The majority of single pane windows are secured by glazing putty as well as small metal clips, referred to as glazier's points. Apply a substantial amount of glaziers's putty to the broken glass on the frame of the wood. Press the glazier's point into the putty every six inches. This will keep the window in position and allow you to reseal your frame later.

Before you apply any putty, moisten your finger with linseed oil and then run it over the wood's surface. This will make the wood lubricated and the putty more manageable 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. After the putty is wet, you can begin repairing your window.

Broken Seals

Rubber used to seal double paned windows may wear away over time. The window is then vulnerable to moisture, which can compromise its function and allowing it to let in cold air or warm humidity. The first indication of a damaged seal is fog or condensation between the two glass panes. Another sign is a noticeable variation in the temperature between your home and the outside. A damaged seal could cause windows to appear cloudy or distorted as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes.

Window replacement is the only option for restoring your windows to their original state. Many double-paned modern windows come with warranties and can be replaced by homeowners at no extra cost.

If your windows are under warranty, you should avail this benefit as soon as possible to save on the cost of a complete replacement. The warranty covers all labor and materials needed to repair or replace your windows.

While windows can be replaced on your own, the process is complicated and requires specialized tools. Contacting a professional installer is the best option. They'll handle all of the cleaning, removal and the reinstallation of your windows, all while ensuring that they are properly coated and insulated to shield your home from the effects of moisture, cold air and hot sun.

A window replacement can also help you save money on your energy bills. Replacement of older windows with modern double pane windows will significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. Furthermore, modern windows offer superior insulation and provide a more comfortable home environment. The only drawback to replacing your windows is the upfront cost, but this can be offset by the long-term savings on your electricity bill.

Sashes That Willn't Open

A sash that doesn't open can be more than a nuisance. It can be a danger. The sash can slam shut unexpectedly and damage anything that's on the sill, which includes pets and children. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows have balancing mechanisms which keep the sash in place and away from the jambs. The problem could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to these mechanisms, or it could simply need to be reset or relocked.

To fix this, start by testing the window to determine if it is moving. If it isn't moving then try using a tool on the meeting rail where the upper and lower sashes meet to pry them apart. If the window does move, remove the sash and set it on a work surface to access the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in only the smallest of places You can use a utility knife to cut the spline apart at the corners. If the spline is torn off or completely broken it is necessary to replace it.

If the sash continues to be stuck, it might be necessary to take off the front trim piece. Hardware stores carry tools for this. A putty knife will also be a good option. You'll also need to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels with your cutting tool and then remove screws that are holding the stops in place. After this is completed you'll be able to remove the sash from the frame and move it properly.

If the sash is stuck, it's likely the balance shoe has moved to the bottom of the frame. It's simple to fix this: Mark the position of the hinge channel and remove the screw. Fill the screw holes with wood filler or epoxy and scrape them flat before reinstalling the channel. Relock the balance pin once the hinge channel has been reinstalled by putting it in the "U-position". Reposition the sash to ensure that it is aligned with balance, and then check the window.

Wood Rot

Wood rot can cause structural damage to a property. It takes several forms, including wet and dry rot. Both result from a combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dried rot can be repaired. But, it's better to stop the cause. Property owners should look for signs of rot on areas that are prone to getting damp, such as outside window frames timber beams, timber frames, and basement subfloors. They should also inspect wood wherever there are cracks and gaps.

If a hole has been discovered the hole should be cleaned with a water-resistant filler for wood and then filled. When the wood is dry it can be stained to match the surroundings. If you use stain for wood it is important to test the product on a small area 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 a musty smell similar to soil that is rotting. It's also more supple than timber that isn't affected and is therefore easier to feel with your hand. Dry rot, on the other hand is more difficult to recognize. This type of fungus attacks the cells of timber, causing them to fragment and break down.


Dry rot can be more difficult to repair because it can penetrate into the deeper levels. However, it can still be prevented by identifying the source of the moisture and fixing it, such as a leak or getting into damp. It is also important to clean regularly your gutters to prevent accumulation of water that could lead to leaks in the home or in a cellar that is flooded.

upvc windows of rot could be reduced by keeping basements and crawlspaces dry and making use of dehumidifiers. To prevent water from entering gaps, they should periodically clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. In addition they should replace damaged or damaged timbers.