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Home Window Repair A lawnmower's pebble or a large drink set on a glass-topped coffee table or a broken window are just a few issues that could affect your home windows. Fortunately, these issues can be solved at home without having to call for a professional. These simple fixes might not win you any beauty contests for your home, but they will keep your windows in good condition. Broken Panes A rogue baseball or heavy winds can cause damage to the window's pane, making your home vulnerable to the elements. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you might think, and it's a much cheaper fix than purchasing an entirely new window or hiring an expert. You can replace a damaged pane of glass quickly and easily using the use of a few tools. Before you begin work take off safety goggles and clear the area around the window of glass splinters as well as glass chards. Clean the frame and remove any varnish or paint from the wood. Remove the saddle bars from the metal sash. Then, you can put on a knife and slowly pry the trim away from the window frames. Be careful not to cut the lead on the existing pane, and be careful not to break the glass too much. If you are using a new pane, it is best to cut it in a workshop for hardware. This will ensure that the glass is the proper size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual dimensions of the opening for the glass 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 generous amount glazier's putty to the frame of the wood around one side of the broken glass. Press the glazier's point into putty every six inches. This will keep the window in place and allow you to seal the frame later. Before applying any type of putty, wet your fingers with linseed oil and then run it over the wood's surface. This will lubricate and make the putty much easier to work with. Glazing putty has a limited shelf life and can dry out over time, so add the Linseed oil to the mix to prolong its life. Once the putty has a good amount of moisture it is time to begin repairing your window. Broken Seals The rubber used to seal double paned windows is prone to wear out over time. This can open the window open to moisture, which compromises its purpose and allows in cold or warm air. The first indication that a seal has broken is fog or condensation between the two panes. Another sign is a variation in the temperature of your home and outside. A broken seal can cause windows to appear hazy or appear distorted as the sealed gas escapes. Window replacement is the only option to restore your windows to their original condition. Modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and can be replaced by homeowners at no extra cost. If your windows are under warranty, you should avail this benefit immediately to avoid the expense of a complete replacement. The warranty covers the materials and labor required to repair or replace windows. Although you can repair windows yourself, the process is complicated and requires specialized tools. Calling a professional installer is the best option. They will remove and clean your windows, while ensuring that they are properly glazed, insulated, and protect your home against cold air, moisture, and the scorching sun. Window replacement could also save money on your energy bills. Replacing older windows with new double pane windows can dramatically cut your heating and cooling costs. Plus, newer windows have superior insulation and provide an environment that is more comfortable for your home. The only downside of the window replacement project is the initial cost. However, this cost can be offset by the savings you will notice on your electricity bill over time. Sashes that won't slide open A sash that doesn't open can be more than a nuisance. It can also be dangerous. The sash can fall down at any time, causing harm to anything on the sill including pets and children. Double-hung and single-hung window designs have balancing mechanisms to keep the sash out of the jambs. It could be that the sash has not been properly connected to the mechanisms or it requires to be reset or relocked. Begin by determining whether the window will move. If it doesn't, employ a tool on the joint rail (where the upper and lower sashes join together) to try to pry the two sashes apart. If the window is moving in any way, take the sash out of the window and place it on a flat surface to reach the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in just some places you can employ a utility knife cut it apart at the corners. If the spline has been broken or torn and is broken, you'll need to replace it. If the sash remains stuck, it could be necessary to remove the front trim piece. Hardware stores sell special tools for this. A putty knife will also work. You'll also have to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels using your cutting tool and remove any screws that hold the stops in place. After this, you'll be able to remove the sash from its frame and move it to a new position. If the sash stays stuck in the frame, the balance shoe could have fallen to the bottom of frame. It's easy to reset this: Mark the position of the hinge channel, then unscrew. Fill the holes in the screws with epoxy or wood filler and then scrape them clean before reinstalling the channel. Once the hinge channel is in place, just relock the balance pin by moving it up into the “U” position. Reposition the sash to align with the balance, and then check it again. Wood Rot Wood rot can cause structural damage to the structure of a house. Wet and dry rot are two of many types. In both cases, the damage is caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Both dry and wet decay can be treated. However, it is best to stop them at the source. Property owners should check for rot on areas that are prone to getting damp, such as windows outside as well as timber beams and basement subfloors. They should also examine the for any cracks or gaps. If a hole is discovered the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood has dries, it should be stained to match the surrounding material. If you are using 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 easily identified by its musty odor that is similar to the smell of soil that is rotting. It's also more supple than wood that isn't infected and is therefore easier to feel with your hand. Dry rot, on the other hand is more difficult to identify. This kind of fungus attack wood cells, making them fragment and break down. Dry rot is often more difficult to fix than wet rot because it can get deeper into the material. Learn Additional Here can be avoided, however by finding and repairing the source of moisture, such as a leak or damp that is penetrating. It is also important to clean regularly your gutters to prevent the buildup of water that can cause leaks in the home or a flooded cellar. Homeowners can also reduce the chance of decay by keeping windows open and installing a dehumidifier into crawl spaces and basements. They should also ensure to regularly clean the sealant or caulking around windows and doors to stop water from entering gaps. Additionally they should replace damaged or damaged timbers.