10 Facts About Window Repair That Insists On Putting You In A Good Mood
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped table are one of the many things that can cause cracks in glass windows. A damaged window allows wind, rain, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your home.
While it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and stop it from becoming worse.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows, a replacement is usually required. The moisture can damage the wood in your window frame and cause rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot is another problem that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to fix them if they are not too much damaged. If the rot has gotten to the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes), you may need to rebuild the windows. This can be more costly than buying a brand new set.
A deteriorated seal between the double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. This can be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be an indication that the insulation in your window has failed. Many modern windows come with insulation built in. They won't have the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.
window repairs near me that are ugly, such as ones that are cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, could cause other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it you might be able to sand it and paint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to prevent moisture from damaging the window. Installing new exterior casing 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 primarily caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. Moisture can come from condensation in the interior, or from rain and snow on the outside. Whatever the cause, it's important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to prevent moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.
When paint begins to crack, it's time to repair your window. To catch any paint that may stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a new coat. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut through the sheathing beneath. Allow the area to dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use proper safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any adjacent surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint as directed on the specific paint tin you're using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the paint's can as they differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade.
Window replacement can be costly, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it might be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.
Glass that has cracked
A broken window leaves your home open to wind rain, insects and wind. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if there isn't too large a crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon they occur, so that they don't get worse due to time or temperature changes.
There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses appear as if they are not there. But, this is not an easy task that is achievable by a DIYer. A tiny crack could create a weak point in the window, which could result in further cracks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This covers the crack from the outside, preventing moisture or air from leaking through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.
Before putting on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety eyewear and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to cut off the old glazing points that secure the pane. Use the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then seal it with Linseed or a clear sealer.
The glass can be glued back into place by using epoxy. This is the most time-intensive method, but it can also give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are crucial to insulate your home and ensuring that heat stays inside during the winter and out in the summer. If you remove the glass the gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method that is used to repair cracks in other types of glass.
