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10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Window Repair
Home Window Repair


A lawnmower's pebble or a large drink placed on the glass-topped coffee table or a cracked window are just a few of the issues that can plague windows in your home.

These problems can be easily repaired by you without calling a professional. These quick fixes may not be able to win you any beauty contests for your home, but they'll keep your windows in top condition.

Broken Panes

A baseball or a powerful wind can break your window panes, leaving you exposed to the elements. However, replacing a single window isn't as difficult as you think and is a cheaper option than buying windows or hiring a professional. With a few tools and some attention to detail it is possible to replace the broken window pane quickly and efficiently.

Wear safety glasses before you begin. Clean the area around the glass window to remove any glass fragments or glass chards. Clean the frame and take off any old paint or varnish from the wood. Remove the saddle bars from a steel sash. Then using a utility knife and a hammer, carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to damage any lead that is on the glass and do not try to break it too badly.

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

Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to hold most single pane windows in place. Apply a liberal amount of glazier's putty to the frame of wood around one side of the glass that has been broken. Incorporate glazier's facets into the putty approximately every six inches. This will secure the window in position and allow you to reseal your frame later.

You can use linseed to moisten your finger and then run it across the wood surface before applying any putty. This will help lubricate the wood and make the putty more manageable to work with. Glazing putty has a limited shelf life and can dry out in time, so you should add some drops of Linseed oil to the mix to extend its lifespan. After the putty is dampened, you can begin fixing your window.

Broken Seals

The rubber used to seal double paned windows can wear out over time. This leaves the window vulnerable to moisture, which can compromise its purpose and allowing in cold or warm humidity. The first indication that a seal has broken is fog or condensation between the two panes. Another sign is a variation in the temperature between your home and outside. A broken seal can cause your windows to look hazy or discolored as the vacuum-sealed gas argon escapes.

Window replacement is the only option to bring your windows back to their original state. Many double-paned modern windows come with warranties and can be replaced by the homeowner at no additional cost.

If your windows are covered under warranty, take advantage of it as soon as possible. This will save you money on a total replacement. The warranty covers all work and materials required to repair or replace your windows.

Although you can replace windows yourself, the process is complex and requires special tools. The best solution is to call an experienced window installer. They will remove, clean and reinstall your windows, while making sure that they are properly glazed, insulated and shield your home from cold air, moisture, and hot sun.

A window replacement could also help you save money on your energy costs. Replacing older windows with new double pane windows will significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. Furthermore, the insulation of newer windows is superior and they provide the most comfortable living space in your home. The only downside to replacing windows is the upfront cost, but this can be offset by the savings you will see on your electricity bill.

Sashes that won't open

A sash window that won't open is more than a nuisance - it can be a risk. The sash can fall down unexpectedly, damaging everything on the sill, including pets and children. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows have balanced mechanisms that keep the sash upright and out of the way of the jambs. The issue could be that the sash hasn't been properly connected to these mechanisms, or it could require a reset or relocked.

Begin by determining whether the window moves. If it won't, use an instrument at the junction rail (where the upper and lower sashes come together) to try to break the two sashes off. If the window is moving, remove the sash from the window and place it on a flat surface to access the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in some spots it is possible to use a utility knife to cut the spline apart at the corners. If the spline is damaged or completely broken, you'll need to replace it.

If the sash is stuck, you might need to take off the front stop 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 using your cutting tool and remove any screws that hold the stops in the frame. Once this is done you'll be able to lift the sash out of 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. Resetting this is easy to mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame and unscrew it. Fill the holes in the screws with wood filler or epoxy and then scrape them clean before reinstalling the channel. Once the hinge channel is in place, you can reset the balance pin by moving it up to the "U" position. Reposition the sash so that it is aligned with the balance, and then check the window.

Wood Rot

Wood decay isn't just an eye-sore; it can also cause serious structural damage to a property. Dry and wet rot are two of the various forms. In both instances the damage is caused by the combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dried decay can be treated. But, it's better to stop the cause. Property owners can check for rot in areas that are likely to get damp, such as outside window frames, timber joists and basement subfloors. They should also inspect the wood in any gaps or cracks.

If you find a hole, it should be cleaned with a water-resistant wood filler and then filled. After RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is dry it is then stained to match the surrounding material. It's important to test the stain on a small portion of the filler material prior applying it. This will ensure that the stain does not change color, corrode or otherwise alter the finished appearance of your woodwork.

Wet rot can be easily detected by its musty smell that is like that of soil that has rotten. It is also soft and easier to feel than wood that is not infected. Dry rot, on the other hand it can be difficult to detect. This type of fungus attacks timber cells, causing them fragment and break down.

Dry rot is more difficult to repair as it can infiltrate into the deeper levels. However, it can still be prevented by identifying the source of moisture and repairing it, like leaks or penetrating damp. It's also important to regularly clean gutters of obstructions to avoid a accumulation of water that can cause leaks around the home or a basement that's flooded.

The chance of rot can be minimized by keeping basements and crawlspaces dry and by using dehumidifiers. To prevent water from getting into gaps, they should periodically clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. They should also replace any damaged or cracked timbers.