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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 issues that can plague your windows at home. These issues can be easily solved by you, without calling an expert. These simple fixes won't win you any beauty contests, but they'll keep your windows in tip-top form. Broken Panes A rogue baseball or heavy wind can damage the window's pane, making your home vulnerable to elements. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you might think and it's a cheaper option than buying an entirely new window or hiring a professional. With just a few tools and some care, you can replace the broken window pane quickly and effectively. Before you begin your work, put on a pair of 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. If you have a metal sash with saddle bars, you need to remove the saddle bars as well. Then, you can put on an utility knife and remove the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to cut the lead of the current pane, and be careful not to break the glass too much. If you're using a fresh pane, cut it at an hardware store to ensure it's the correct size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual dimension of the opening for the glass because wood expands and expands and contracts. Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to keep the majority of single pane windows into place. Apply a generous amount of 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 putty every six inches. This will hold the window in position and allow you to reseal your frame later. Linseed can be used to moisten your finger and then run it across the wood surface before applying any putty. This will lubricate the putty and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty is a limiting product and will dry over time. Add a few drops of linseed to the mix to prolong its shelf life. Once the putty has a good amount of moisture and you are ready to begin fixing your window. Broken Seals Rubber used to seal double paned windows can wear out over time. This can leave the windows open to moisture, which impedes its function and allows in cold or warm air. The first sign that a seal is broken is fog or condensation between the two panes. A noticeable difference in temperature between the outside and inside your home is a further indication. Finally, a damaged seal can cause windows to appear hazy or distorted as the vacuum-sealed gas argon escapes. Window replacement is the only option to restore your windows to their original state. Thankfully, many modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and can be replaced at no additional cost to homeowners. If your windows are covered by warranty, you should avail this benefit as soon as you can to save on the cost of a complete replacement. The warranty covers all work and materials required to repair or replace your windows. While you can replace your windows on your own, the process is complicated and requires specialized tools. The best option is to contact an expert window installer. They will remove, clean and reinstall your windows, while ensuring that they are properly glazed and insulated and shield your home from the elements of cold air, moisture and hot sun. A window replacement can help you save money on your energy bills. Replacing old windows with new double pane windows can dramatically reduce your heating and cooling costs. Furthermore, modern windows offer superior insulation and provide the most comfortable living space. The only downside to a window replacement is the initial cost, but this could be offset by the savings you will see on your electricity bill. Sashes That Won't Open A sash window that isn't able to open poses more than just an inconvenience, it can be dangerous. The sash may close unexpectedly and damage anything that's on the sill, such as children and pets. Double-hung and single-hung windows include balancing mechanisms that keep the sash from the jambs. The issue could be that the sash isn't properly connected to these mechanisms, or it may just need to be reset or relocked. To fix this, start by examining the window to see if it will move. If it doesn't, you can use a tool on the joint rail (where the upper and lower sashes meet together) to try to pry the two sashes apart. If the window does move, take off the sash from the frame and set it on a work surface to reach the sides. If the spline on the sash is loose in only one or two places, you can employ a utility knife cut it apart at the corners. If the spline was broken or torn, you will need to replace it. If the sash is still stuck, you may need to take off the front stop trim piece. Hardware stores sell special tools to do this. A putty knife will also be a good option. You'll also have to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels using your cutting tool, and then remove any screws that are holding the stops in place. After that, you can lift the sash from the frame and reposition the sash. If the sash remains stuck, it's likely that the balance shoe has slid to the bottom of the frame. It's easy to reset it by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame, then unscrew it. Fill the screw holes with woodfiller or epoxy, and smooth them out before installing the channel. Once the hinge channel is back in place, you can lock the balance pin by moving it up to 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. Dry and wet rot are just two of the various types. In both instances, the damage is caused by the combination of moisture and fungus. Both wet and dried rot can be repaired. However, it is best to stop the cause. Property owners can check for the presence of rot in areas likely to become damp, such as outside window frames, timber joists and basement subfloors. They should also examine wood wherever there are cracks and gaps. If there is a hole the hole should be cleaned with an water-resistant wood filler then filled. After the wood has dried and dries, it can be stained to match its surroundings. It's important to test the stain on a small part of the filler material prior applying it. This will ensure that the stain doesn't alter color, corrode or otherwise alter the appearance of your woodwork. Wet rot is easily detected by its musty smell that is like that of soil that has rotten. It's also softer than wood that isn't infected and is therefore easier to feel with your fingers. Dry rot however is more difficult to recognize. their explanation of fungus attacks wood cells, making them to break down and disintegrate. Dry rot can be more difficult to fix because it can penetrate further. However, it is still able to be prevented by identifying the source of moisture and repairing it, like the presence of a leak or perforating damp. It is also essential to regularly clean out your gutters to avoid water buildup that could cause leaks in your home or a basement that has been flooded. Homeowners can also reduce the risk of rot by keeping windows open and using a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces. To prevent water from entering gaps, they must regularly clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. They must also replace any cracked or damaged timbers.