10 Facts About Window Repair That Will Instantly Put You In The Best Mood
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass can be caused by a small pebble from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A damaged window may let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to get into your home.
While it is not possible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible but there are ways to fix it and stop it from spreading further.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows replacing them is typically required. The moisture can damage the wood in the frame of your window and cause the frame to rot. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows without damaging the structural integrity of your current frames.
Wood rot is another issue that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If your windows are made of wood and have rotting spots, a repair may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has reached the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to rebuild them. This may cost more than a new set of windows.
A failed seal between the double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. It could be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be an indication that your window's insulation has failed. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. This means they can't experience the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Loose, cracked, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other issues.
window repair near me 's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. You may be able sand it and then repaint it to enhance its appearance, depending on the condition and surrounding wood.
If the exterior casing isn't in great condition, a new layer of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be all you need to stop moisture from destroying your window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a stylish and practical upgrade to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer from sunlight and rain. Peeling paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, particularly if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. Regardless of the source it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some meticulous painters add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood prior to painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and help the new paint hold better.
When paint begins to crack, it's time to consider repairing 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. Utilizing a utility knife carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.
Once the area is dry, sand the area again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready for painting. Use the correct safety equipment if you're using paint that is based on lead. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any other surfaces like baseboards to shield them from paint.
Then paint and prime as directed on the specific tin of paint you're using. Make sure you follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can, as these will vary according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing them. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked glass
A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to winds rain, insects and wind. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if there isn't too big of a crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon they occur, before they get worse due to time or temperature fluctuations.
There are a myriad of methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. A tiny crack could create a weak spot in the window, which can result in further cracks and a more expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This covers the crack from the outside and prevents air or moisture from leaking through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need a scraper, utility knife or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that bind the pane into place. Utilize the knife to cut away any wood that is not used, then seal it with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This method is the most time consuming but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener equally. This allows you to precisely control the amount applied to the glass which will ensure a solid seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows be certain that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential for insulating your home and ensuring that heat stays inside during the winter and out during summer. If you remove the window, the gases escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.