Window Repairs You Shouldn't Ignore
If your window is not closing and opening smoothly, this could indicate a leaky seal. Expansions and contractions caused by heat over time can destroy seals between double panes which can lead to dirt, moisture and energy loss.
Wood rot can also occur in window sills and frames. Epoxy wood filler is a great option to save money on expensive repairs.
Cracks and chips
A damaged window isn't just unsightly; it can be a risk. It exposes the glass to further breakage as well as humidity, which can lead to a mold problem. Repair any chips or cracks as soon as you can to keep your windows in good shape and your family safe.
Pebbles, rocks as well as Dolichovespula Maculata seeds can break your windows. (No this is not an actual plant. It's actually an insect.) Cracks that are caused by these can be fixed.
This repair method works for single-pane household glass, and even double-pane windows that have a crack in only one glass pane. This method isn't applicable to windshields because they require a special tool that injects resin into the crack to create a vacuum.
Clean the area where the crack will be repaired using glass cleaner. Make use of a thumbtack or pin to remove any glass fragments from the crack. You can also use acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the surface and make sure that the repair material is adhered to the surface properly.
double glazed window repairs suggest that a repaired crack will be nearly invisible. This is true for some kinds of repairs, but not for all, especially small cracks. Repairing these cracks can stop them from becoming bigger problems, and they may even stop the spread of these cracks.
If you're looking to have an invisible crack, you can find a repair kit that uses a transparent super glue to repair the damage. This kind of glue won't expand when it dries and will not cause further damage to the crack. Make sure you read the instructions for your product prior to making the decision.
You can cover a crack using clear nail polish to provide an interim solution. This will act as an adhesive and slow the progression of the chip or crack. It's crucial to apply the polish just a bit away from the edges of the crack to prevent damaging the integrity of the windshield.
Sashes that Don't Move
Many older windows are difficult to open due the wood's swelling or decay, or because the cords and balance mechanisms that allow them to move up and down can break. But often the problem is something much simpler, like dirt or other debris that has clogged up the mechanisms. It could be that the mechanism needs to be cleaned or lubricated.
The first step is to take off the sash. This can be accomplished with a putty knife and a bit of patience. First, you need to score the paint between the jamb and sash stop, then carefully pry them apart. Set the pieces aside so they do not get damaged.
After removing the sash, you will be able to gain access to the pocket piece and the front window stoppers. You can remove them with an utility blade, and then lower the top sash down to the sill. The bottom sash is equally difficult to move as the top one, however, it's slightly more difficult. Once you've lowered the sash completely you can use a flathead screwdriver to reset and relock your balance shoe (the little box that sits at the bottom of the window) so it can support the weight of the sash.
If the sash does not stay in place, you may require replacing either the balance system or the sash. This is generally simpler than you might believe, since replacement parts are quite inexpensive and can be found from a number of different vendors. After you've replaced your balance system or sash you can move the sash around and check to see whether it functions properly.
The sash tilting pin could be removed or be slid out during cleaning. If you're skilled, you can fix this yourself. But, you should only perform this on older windows which are safe to disassemble. Otherwise it's best to seek out an expert who has experience with the particular brand of window you have.
Caps with drip Caps
If you're experiencing water around your windows, it could be the right time to invest in new drip caps. The L-shaped flashing is positioned on the top of the window following installation, but before siding. It helps direct water away from the frame. It's an easy project that can prevent water damage and help you save in maintenance costs down the road.
A dam at the end of the window cap flashing could also prevent water infiltration at the ends of the trim. Simply use a pair of Tin snips to make an elongated "flap" on both sides of the trim. This fold will prevent rain from falling off the edges of the flashing, and then down into the wood framing.
MS Windows and Doors also provides drip caps that are made with an end dam. These preformed drip cap are available in a variety of colors and can be included when you purchase your window.
Install the head flashing beneath the sheathing which is above the drip cap. It's the same type of flashing that's used for the j channel on your exterior trim. It is recommended to only seal the corners of the head flashing, and not the entire length.
The head flashing is slit at each corner at a 45 degree angle to create the appearance of a small flap. It's then folded and tacked again to the sheathing. This creates a small opening for water to flow through the WRB into the sheathing of the house above the window.
After you've secured the drip cap to the sheathing you can apply caulk to the top edge of the cap. This will stop the moisture from soaking into the wood of your housewrap and window sills, as well as into the siding that is above the window. It is important to keep in mind that moisture can cause wood rot as well as other serious structural problems It's best to prevent moisture infiltration from the beginning.
Sash Weights
Weights on a window (also known as sashweights or sashlines) help to balance the sashes and prevent them from moving when they are opened. The weights may need to be replaced or removed when they're tied. Counter balances might also need to be replaced.
Pam examines the exterior of the window first to ensure there aren't any visible damages or rots that must be dealt with prior to beginning the work. If there are visible damages then she'll have to do the necessary repairs prior to beginning the process of restoring the windows.
She begins by removing the sash stops on the interior and the parts stops on either side of the window. This requires cutting the paint line on each side of the interior sash stop with a utility knife and taking it off using an instrument for woodworking. Pam says that this step is important because if you use mallets to remove stops, they could crack or split. She recommends using small woodworking tools that has a small blade.
Once the stops have been removed, she's now ready to take off the sashes. She will remove the sash at the bottom, and then the top. Pam Lubricates the sash cords before pulling them out, so they can move easily. After the sashes have been removed she can pull the sash cord out and locate the metal hooks that attach to each sash weight. They are typically damaged and require to be replaced. Then, she pulls one of the old sash weights from its pocket and screws in a new one.
She checks the weights by weighing the sash using a scale to see how much it weighs. She replaces the weight with one that's equivalent to the weight of the sash. Repeat the process for the second sash, to make sure it's balanced. After the sashes are placed back into place She uses a level to check that they're in the right place. She also lubricates the cords to help them move freely and then tightens the counter balance hooks.