The Worst Advice Weve Received On Window Repair
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A broken window can allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from becoming worse.
Water Damage
If water is leaking through your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. Moisture can cause rot to the wooden frame of your window. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames with no damage to them.
Wood rot is a different issue that can affect both the interior and the exterior of your window. If your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. However, if the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes) They may have to be rebuilt. This could be more expensive than buying a brand new set.
Another common issue that requires replacement is a faulty seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation in your window has failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have the insulation built-in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose or rotting the casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other problems. A damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, though. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood surrounding it, you may be able to sand or repaint it to improve its appearance.
If your exterior casing is in poor condition, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to stop moisture from damaging the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a stylish and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer from the sun and rain. Paint peeling around windows is caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. Moisture can come from condensation in the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. It is essential to scrape and sand the surface when you notice the paint start to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.
When paint begins to chip, it's time for a window repair. To remove any paint that may stray, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a fresh coat. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood beneath or cut into the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.
Once the surface is dry, sand the area again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate ready for paint. Use the correct safety equipment when using lead-based paint. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any other surfaces like baseboards to shield them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Make sure to adhere to the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can as they will differ according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.
Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames can't be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window can make your home vulnerable to rain, wind bugs, and other unpleasant creatures. If the crack or break isn't too serious you can fix it yourself. It is important to address small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they become worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.
There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses virtually invisible. However this isn't an easy task that can be done by a DIYer. Even a small crack will cause a weakness in the window, which could result in further cracks and a more expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This covers the crack from the outside, and prevents moisture or air from leaking through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass off the frame. You'll require a utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that hold the pane into the frame. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then finish it off with Linseed or a clear sealer.
Then, you can make use of epoxy to stick the glass back in place. This option is the most time consuming, but will give your glass a more substantial appearance. Choose Home Page -cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener equally. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured into the window, which will help ensure a good seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are intact. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter, and outside in summer. If you take the window off the gasses escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.