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Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped coffee table are just among the many factors that can cause cracks in glass windows. A damaged window may allow wind, rain bugs and other harmful elements to enter your home.
Although it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from spreading further.
Water Damage
The sight of water leaking through the window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window company can replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If your wood windows have rotting spots repairs may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. If the rot has reached the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) it could be necessary to rebuild them. windows repair near me can be more costly than purchasing a new set.
Another issue that often requires replacement is a faulty seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be caused by the condensation or the accumulation of debris between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation of your window has gone out of date. Fortunately, many modern windows have insulation in them. They won't be afflicted with the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.
Cracked, loose or rotting casings around your windows are not attractive and could cause other issues. A damaged casing does not mean it's time to replace your windows, however. You may be able sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance, depending on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.
If the casing on the outside isn't in good shape and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint might be all you need to keep moisture from damaging your window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a beautiful and practical upgrade to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer a lot from rain and sunlight. Peeling paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure in the film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. Moisture can come from condensation in the interior or rain and snow on the outside. Whatever the cause, it's important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative to the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow moisture penetration into the wood, which will help the new paint to stick better.
If the paint begins to chip off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before you apply a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with an utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
Once the surface has dried, sand again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a substrate ready for paint. Use the correct safety equipment when using lead-based paint. Tape off any surfaces close to the sanded surface, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin that you are using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the can of paint because they'll differ according to the type of paint you're using. Also, make sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior-grade.
Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Cracked glass
A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to winds rain, insects and wind. If the break or crack isn't too serious you can repair it yourself. You should address small cracks as soon as you notice them before they get worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.
There are a myriad of methods to make broken glass invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a small crack will create a weak point in the glass, which could result in further cracks and a more expensive replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from getting through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that hold the pane in position. You should also employ the knife to cut out any wood that is unfinished and then clean and seal that area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into its original position using epoxy. This option is the most time-consuming however it will give your glass a more solid appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured into the window, which can help ensure a good seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are intact. These gases are vital to keep heat inside your home in the winter and outside in summer. If you take the glass off the gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.
