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Home Window Repair A stray pebble from the lawnmower, a heavy drink set on the coffee table with a glass top, or a shattered window are just a few of the issues that can plague windows in your home. Fortunately, these problems can be solved by yourself without having to call in a professional. These quick fixes won't win you any beauty contests, but they can keep your windows in good shape. Broken Panes A baseball or a strong wind can damage the window panes, making you exposed to the elements. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you think and is a less expensive option than purchasing an entirely new window or hiring a professional. With a few simple tools and some care it is possible to replace a damaged window pane in a short time and with efficiency. Wear safety glasses before you begin. Clean the area around the glass window of any glass splinters 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. them as well. Then using a utility knife, carefully pry away the trim from the window frames. Be careful not to cut the lead of the current pane, and be careful not to crack the glass itself too excessively. If you are using a brand new pane, it is best to cut it in a hardware shop. This will ensure that the glass is the proper size. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the actual dimension of the opening for the glass as wood expands and expands and contracts. Glazier's points and glazing putty are used to keep the majority of single pane windows in place. Apply a generous amount glazier's putty to the frame of the wood around one side of the glass that has been broken. Press glazier's points into putty around every six inches. This will hold the window in place and permit you to reseal the frame later. Linseed can be used to dampen your fingers and then rub it across the wood surface before applying any putty. This will help lubricate the putty and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty has a limited shelf life and will dry out over time, so add a few drops of linseed oil to the mix to prolong its life. When the putty is dry it is time to begin repairing your window. Broken Seals The rubber used to seal double pane windows is prone to wear out over time. This could leave the windows open to moisture, which compromises its purpose and allows it to let in warm or cold humidity. The first sign that the seal has been damaged is fog or condensation between the two panes. A significant temperature difference between inside and outside your home is another sign. Finally, a damaged seal can cause windows to look hazy or discolored as the vacuum-sealed argon gas escapes. A window replacement is the only way to restore your windows back to their original condition. Thankfully, many modern double-paned windows are covered by warranties and can be replaced without cost to the homeowner. If your windows are covered by warranty, you'll want to avail this benefit as soon as possible to save on the cost of a complete replacement. The warranty will cover costs of labor and materials needed to repair or replace windows. While you can replace your windows at home however, the process is a bit complicated and requires special tools. The best choice is to contact a professional window installer. They'll handle the cleaning, removal, and reinstallation of your windows while ensuring that they are properly sealed and glazed to protect 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. By replacing older windows with double paned windows will help you save on cooling and heating bills. Plus, newer windows have better insulation and create a more comfortable home environment. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors to replacing your windows is the initial cost, but this can be offset by the savings you will see on your electricity bills. Sashes That Won't Open A sash that isn't opening is more than just an inconvenience. It can also be a risk. The sash can slam shut unexpectedly and damage anything that's on the sill, such as pets and children. Fortunately, single and double-hung windows are constructed with balance mechanisms that keep the sash upright and away from the jambs. The problem could be that the sash isn't connected to these mechanisms, or it may simply need to be reset or locked. To fix this, start by testing the window to determine if it is moving. If it won't, use an instrument at the junction rail (where the upper and lower sashes come together) to try to pry the two sashes apart. If the window is moving and the sash is removed from the window and place it on a flat surface to reach the sides. If the spline of the sash is loose in just one or two places, you can use a utility knife to cut it in the corners. If the spline is damaged or broken off entirely, you'll need to replace it. If the sash is still stuck, you might need to take off the front stop trim piece. There are tools specifically designed for this in hardware stores that can help you do this, but an ordinary putty knife could help. You'll also need to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels using your cutting tool and remove screws that hold the stops in their place. After this is completed, you'll be able to remove the sash from the frame and then reposition it in a proper way. If the sash remains stuck, it's a sign that the balance shoe has slid to the bottom of the frame. It's easy to reset this by marking the location of the hinge channel, then remove the screw. 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 in place, you can reset the balance pin by advancing it into the “U” position. Reposition the sash so 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 two of various types. In both instances the damage is caused by a combination of moisture and fungus. Dry and wet rot can be repaired but it's best to stop it at the source. Property owners should look for decay in areas that are likely to get damp, like outside window frames, timber joists, and basement subfloors. They should also examine the for any cracks or gaps. If a hole is found the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant timber filler. After the wood is dry, it should be stained to match the surrounding material. It is crucial to test the stain on a small area of the filler material prior applying it. This will ensure that the stain does not alter color, corrode, or otherwise alter the finished appearance of your woodwork. Wet decay is easy to identify, as it often has an unpleasant odor that is similar to soil that is rotting. It's also less brittle than uninfected timber which makes it easier to feel with your hands. Dry rot is harder to recognize. This kind of fungus attacks the cells in timber and causes them to break down and disintegrate. Dry rot is usually more difficult to fix than wet rot due to the fact that it can penetrate deeper into the material. It can be avoided, however, by identifying and fixing the cause of moisture, for instance leaks or damp that penetrate. It is also important to regularly clean out your gutters to prevent accumulation of water that could lead to leaks in the home or a flooded cellar. The risk of rot could be reduced by keeping crawlspaces and basements dry and using dehumidifiers. To prevent water from getting into gaps, they should periodically clean the caulking and sealant around windows and doors. Additionally they should replace damaged or damaged timbers.