Don't Believe These "Trends" About Window Repair
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped table are some of the many things that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window allows wind, rain, insects and other unwanted elements to get into your home.
There are methods to repair a cracked glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
The sight of water leaking through the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames with no damage to them.
Wood rot can affect both the outside and inside of your windows. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting it is possible when the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has reached your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) You may have to rebuild them. This could be more expensive than buying a new set.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a damaged seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or a sign that the insulation in your window is failing. A lot of modern windows have insulation built-in. This means that they won't have the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other issues. A damaged casing doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, but. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood around it you may be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance.
If your exterior casing is in bad shape, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to keep water from destroying the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a beautiful and practical upgrade to your home.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements, and they are subject to a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood, and once it evaporates the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. It is important to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint begin to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.
When paint begins to crack, it's time to repair your window. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut through the underlying sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Once the area has dried, sand again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paint make sure you use the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces adjacent to the sanded area, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then paint, prime and then paint as directed on the specific paint tin you're using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines for the paint as they will differ by type. Make sure you paint the exterior surface with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior grade.
Window replacement can be costly, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are beyond repair, however, it might be worth upgrading them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to winds rain, insects and wind. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if you don't have too big of crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they happen, before they become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.
While there are numerous methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible, this is a tall task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip could cause a crack in the glass, which could cause more breaks and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This covers the crack from the outside and blocks air or moisture from leaking through, which can damage the frame or seals around windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll require a utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that hold the pane in position. Also, you should use the knife to pry away any wood that is bare and then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
You can then make use of epoxy to stick the glass back to its original position. window repairs is the longest-running but it will give your glass a more substantial appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener in a similar way. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass, which will ensure a solid seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows be sure that the gas fills are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are crucial to insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter and outside in summer. If you remove the window the gasses escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills using the same method as to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.