When you perform your own maintenance on your home and avoid hiring experts, you can save money. Many common issues can occur, but perform your own window repair to resolve them. You may be surprised how simple many of these tasks can be. Broken Glass When a pane of glass breaks, you have an unsafe situation. The broken glass is also an energy issue as air suddenly can move through the broken glass. If your window has multiple panes with gas filling each layer, you will need to call a professional to repair it. If your window is an old-fashioned single pane, you can fix it yourself. To fix this issue, measure the pane and order a new one from a hardware store or a lumberyard. Once you have the new glass, remove all shards of the old pane and prepare to insert the new one. You will need glazier's compound and clips to finish the installation. Fit the glass into place inside the frame and insert the clips approximately every 6 inches along the edge of the glass. Apply the glazier's compound around the entire perimeter of the pane. Use a putty knife held at a 45-degree angle to make a smooth joint. Allow the compound to dry and then paint it with a color that matches the surrounding trim. Reglazing Solutions Glazier's compound around glass may chip or flake away, leaving the window exposed. When this occurs, you can add a new layer of compound for a simple fix. Use a razor blade to remove the existing compound and discard it. Apply a new bead of compound around the pane, smoothing it neatly with the putty knife. Allow the putty to dry completely before painting it. Sticky Operation Window repair might entail fixing issues with sticky operation. Wood typically swells with warm or humid weather. You may be able to resolve sticking by rubbing candle wax along sticky areas. Another option involves filing away a thin layer of wood to enable the window to operate more efficiently. If you file the wood, be prepared to repaint to restore the wood surface. Excess Moisture and Rotting Sills Another excess moisture issue could be rotting sills. Often rotting sills occur while the rest of the construction remains solid, enabling you to replace only the sill. To proceed, use a saw to cut off the rotten sill. Make a replacement piece out of solid wood that matches the rotten sill. You may need to use a router to cut out special grooves and shapes in the sill to make it match the existing sill style. Screw the new sill in place, countersinking the screws. Paint or stain the new sill to match the rest of the construction. Although some window repair jobs will require the assistance of a professional, there are many tasks you can complete yourself to save money. If you have concerns about special features of your windows or if they are under warranty, consult a professional for assistance. Portland homeowners in need of window repair turn to Anderson Door & Window Mechanics, Inc. Learn more at http://www.adwm.net/.
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