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Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by a lawnmower or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are some of the many things that can cause cracks in glass windows. A window that is damaged allows rain, wind insects, and other undesirable elements to enter your home.
There are methods to repair a cracked glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows, a replacement is usually necessary. The moisture can damage the wood in your window frame and cause rot. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window company can replace your windows, without compromising the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they're not terribly damaged. However when the rot has reached the mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) They may have to be rebuilt. This can cost more than a new set windows.
A failed seal between the double-paned window panes is another issue that requires replacement. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could indicate that the insulation in your window has been damaged. A lot of modern windows have insulation built in. They won't face the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.
Unattractive casings, such as those that are loose, cracked or rotten, as well as missing, could cause various issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the surrounding wood you may be able to sand or repaint it to enhance its appearance.
If your exterior casing is in bad shape, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to prevent moisture from causing damage to the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Frames and window sills are usually close to the elements, and they can take a lot abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Paint peeling around windows is caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. No matter the source it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preserver to the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, which will help the new paint to stick better.
When paint starts to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any scattered drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to slash the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
After the area has dried, sand again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that is ready for paint. Use the proper safety equipment if you're using paint based on lead. Clean the sanded area and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to instructions on the tin that you are using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the can of paint as they differ depending on the type. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A broken window could leave your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind bugs, and other unpleasant creatures. You may be tempted to replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if there isn't too big of crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they occur, before they become worse as time passes or temperature changes.
While there are numerous methods to make broken glass invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. Even a tiny chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which could cause more breaks and costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, and prevents moisture or air from leaking through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before removing the broken glass from the frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to take off the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then apply Linseed or a clear sealer.
window repair Stratford can be glued back into its original position by using epoxy. This option is the longest-running however it will give your glass a more substantial appearance. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that distributes resin and hardener in a similar way. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured into the window, which can help to ensure a strong seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are crucial for insulating your home and keeping heat in the winter months and out during summer. If you take the window off, the gases will escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced using the same method as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.
