Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped coffee table are just some of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A broken window allows rain, wind insects, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.
While it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and stop it from becoming worse.
Water Damage
Water seeping through the window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can cause damage to the wood in your window frame and cause rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot can affect both the inside and outside of your windows. If you have windows made of wood with rotting areas, it may be possible to fix them if they are not terribly damaged. However in the event that the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes), they may need to be rebuilt. This can be more costly than purchasing a new set.
Another common issue that requires replacement is a failed seal between double-paned windows. This can be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation built into them. This means they can't experience the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other issues. A damaged casing does not necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, but. You may be able to sand it and then repaint it to make it look better in accordance with the condition of the wood and the surrounding.
If your exterior casing is damaged, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to prevent water from destroying the window. Installing new exterior casing can be a beautiful and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
Window frames and sills are typically close to the elements, so they are subject to a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure under the film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the outside. No matter the source it's essential to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative to the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into wood, which will help the new paint to stay better.
If paint starts to chip, it's the time for a window repair. To remove any paint that might stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a fresh coat. Utilizing a utility knife carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
After the area has dried and dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a substrate ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces adjacent to the sanded area like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
Then paint and prime as directed on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the can of paint, as they will vary according to the type of paint you're using. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade paint.
window repairs near me can be expensive, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to winds, rain and bugs. If the crack or tear isn't severe enough you can fix it yourself. It is important to address small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they become worse due to temperature changes or time.
While there are many methods that claim to make broken glass invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. A tiny crack could cause a weakness in the glass, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This covers the crack from the outside and blocks air or moisture from leaking through, which can harm the frame or seals around the windows.
Before you put on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety glasses and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll require an utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any old glazing points that pin the pane into place. It is also recommended to make use of the knife to pull out any wood that's unfinished, then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in its original position with epoxy. This option is the most time-consuming however it will give your glass a more substantial appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener in a similar way. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy is applied to the window, which will help ensure a solid seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be sure that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are crucial to keep heat inside your home in the winter months, and outside in the summer. If you remove the glass the gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced by using the same procedure to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.