13 Things You Should Know About Window Repair That You Might Not Have Known
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window allows rain, wind insects, and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
While it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible, there are ways to repair it and stop it from spreading further.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows replacing them is typically required. Moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames with no damage to them.
Wood rot can affect both the exterior and interior of your windows. If
window repair near me have wooden windows with decaying areas, it might be possible to repair them if they are not terribly damaged. If the rot has spread to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) You may have to replace the windows. This can be more expensive than buying a new set.
A deteriorated seal between the double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be caused by the condensation or the accumulation of debris between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation in your window has gone out of date. Modern windows have insulation built in. They won't have the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.
Casings that are ugly, such as ones that are damaged, cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, can create various issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. You may be able to sand it and repaint the casing to improve its appearance, depending on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If the exterior casing isn't in good condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint might be all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements, so they can take a lot damage from precipitation and sunlight. The peeling of paint around windows is caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure in the paint film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation inside, or from snow and rain outside. It is essential to scrape and sand the surface when you notice the paint begin to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.
If the paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before you apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not gouge the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.
Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a base that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the paint's can, as they will vary according to the type of paint you're using. Make sure you paint the exterior with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior-grade.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are beyond repair, it could be worth upgrading them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window can make your home vulnerable to wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome critters. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if there isn't too severe of a crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon as they happen, before they get worse due to time or temperature fluctuations.
There are a variety of ways to make broken glasses almost invisible. However this isn't an easy task that can be done by DIYers. Even a small crack will create a weak spot in the glass, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This covers the crack from the outside and prevents moisture or air from seeping through, which could damage the frame or seals around the windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to use a utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any old glazing points that pin the pane into place. You should also use the knife to pry away any wood that is bare and then clean and seal that area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the most time-intensive option, but it will also give your glass a more robust look. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which will ensure a solid seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are vital for insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside in summer. If you take the window off the gasses will escape and cause the glass to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same procedure used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.