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Home Window Repair A pebble from the lawnmower or a large glass of wine set on the coffee table with a glass top, or a shattered window are just a few of the issues that could affect your home windows. Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed on your own without calling in a professional. These simple fixes won't win you any beauty contests, but they can keep your windows in tip-top shape. Broken Panes A strong wind can cause damage to the window panes, making you exposed to weather. But replacing a single pane isn't as difficult as you might think and it's a cheaper fix than purchasing windows or hiring a professional. With a few simple tools and a keen care you can repair a broken window pane quickly and effectively. Wear safety goggles before you begin and clean the area around the glass window to remove any glass crystals or glass chards. Remove any paint or varnish from the wood frame. If you have a metal sash with saddle bars, remove them as well. Then with a utility knife and a hammer, carefully remove the trim from the window frames. Be sure not to pierce the lead of the current pane, and don't attempt to break the glass too much. If you're using a brand new pane, you can have it cut at an hardware store to ensure that it is the right size. You must subtract 1/8 of an inch from the actual size of the opening to allow for the glass. This is because wood expands and contracts. Most single pane windows are held in place 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 broken window repairs into putty every six inches. This will keep the window in place and allow you to seal your frame later. You can use linseed to dampen your finger and then run it across the wood surface prior to applying any putty. This will lubricate the putty and make it easier to work with. Glazing putty has a short shelf life and can dry out in time, so you should add a few drops of Linseed oil to the mix to extend its lifespan. Once the putty has a good amount of moisture, you can begin repairing your window. Broken Seals The rubber used to seal double paned windows may wear away over time. This can leave the windows open to moisture, which impedes its function and allows in warm or cold humidity. The first indication that a seal is broken is condensation or fog between the two panes. Another sign is a variation in the temperature between your home and the outside. A damaged seal could cause windows to appear cloudy or blurred as the vacuum-sealed gas escapes. A window replacement is the only way to bring your windows back to their original condition. Modern double-paned windows come with warranties and are easily replaced by the homeowner at no extra cost. If your windows are covered by warranty, avail the warranty as soon as possible. This will save you money on a full replacement. The warranty will cover labor and materials required to repair or replace windows. While windows can be replaced at home however, the process is a bit complicated and requires special tools. The best solution is to call an experienced window installer. They will remove the old, clean and reinstall the windows, ensuring that they are properly glazed, insulated and shield your home from the elements of cold air, moisture and hot sun. Window replacement can also save money on your energy bills. By replacing older windows with double paned ones will help you save on cooling and heating bills. Plus, the insulation of newer windows is superior and provides the most comfortable living space in your home. The only drawback to replacing windows is the initial cost. However, this can be offset with the savings you can see on your electricity bill in the future. Sashes that won't slide open A sash window that isn't able to open poses more than just a nuisance – it can be a risk. The sash may fall down in a sudden manner, causing damage to anything on the sill including pets and children. Fortunately, double and single-hung windows are designed with balance mechanisms that keep the sash upright and away from the jambs. It could be that the sash is not been properly connected to the mechanism or it is in need of be reset or locked. To fix this, begin by examining the window to check if it moves. If it isn't moving, try using a tool on the meeting rail where the lower and upper sashes meet to pull them apart. If the window does move, remove the sash and place it on a work surface to get access to the sides. If the spline of the sash appears to be loose only in some spots it is possible to use a utility knife to cut the spline at the corners. If the spline was torn off or completely broken it is necessary to replace it. If the sash remains stuck, it could be necessary to remove the front trim piece. There are specific tools available in hardware stores that can help you with this, but a putty knife will also work. You'll also have to cut the seal of paint around the sash channels with your cutting tool, and then remove screws that hold the stops in the frame. After this is completed you'll be able to lift the sash out of the frame and then reposition it in a proper way. If the sash remains stuck, it's a sign that the balance shoe has moved to the bottom of the frame. It's easy to reset it 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 scrape them flat before reinstalling the channel. Lock the balance pin when the hinge channel has been reinstated by moving it into the “U-position”. Reposition the sash in a way that it aligns with the balance, and then check it again. Wood Rot Wood rot can cause structural damage to a home. It can take many forms such as dry and wet rot. 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 inspect for rot on areas that are prone to becoming damp, such as windows outside, timber beams, and basement subfloors. They should also examine the wood where there are cracks and gaps. If there is a hole the area must be cleaned and filled with a water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood has dries and is stained, it must be repainted to match the surrounding material. If you decide to use stain for wood, it's important to test the product on a small area of the filler prior to applying. This will ensure that the stain won't alter color, corrode or otherwise alter the finished look of your woodwork. Wet rot can be recognized by its musty odor that is like that of rotting soil. It's also less brittle than uninfected timber which makes it easier to feel with your hands. Dry rot, on the other hand is more difficult to identify. This kind of fungus attacks the wood cells, causing them to disintegrate and break down. Dry rot is more difficult to repair as it can get further. However, it is still able to be prevented by identifying the source of the moisture and fixing it, for instance, leaks or penetrating damp. It is also important to clean your gutters to prevent the buildup of water that can cause leaks in the home or a flooded cellar. Homeowners can also lower the risk of rot by keeping windows closed and installing a dehumidifier into crawl spaces and basements. To stop water from entering gaps, they must regularly clean the caulking and sealant around doors and windows. Additionally, they should replace cracked or damaged timbers.