13 Things About Window Repair You May Not Know
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by a lawnmower or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped table are one of the many things that can cause cracks in glass windows. A broken window can allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to enter your home.
There are methods to repair damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows, a replacement is usually required. The moisture can cause damage to the wood in the window frame and cause the frame to rot. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without damaging the strength of your existing frames.
Wood rot can affect the exterior and interior of your windows. If you have wooden windows with rotting areas, it may be possible to fix them if they are not too much damaged. If the rot has spread to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes), you may need to replace the windows. This can be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
A failed seal between the double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or a sign that the insulation of your window has failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have the insulation built into them. They won't have the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.
The ugly casings, like ones that are loose, cracked, rotten, or missing, can create various issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood surrounding it you might be able to sand and repaint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to keep moisture from causing damage to the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to provide an attractive and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
Frames and window sills are typically close to the elements, and they are subject to a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure under the film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation inside, or from snow and rain outside. It is essential to sand and scrape the surface when you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and allow the paint to hold better.
If the paint begins to chip off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before you apply a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. With a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to slash the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean window repairs near me and allow it to dry completely.
Once the area is dry then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces near to the sanded region, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then paint and prime as directed on the specific tin of paint you're using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the paint's can because they'll differ depending on the type. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an 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 beyond repair, however, it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window can make your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind, bugs, and other unwanted creatures. You may be tempted to replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if it's not too big of crack or break. Repair small cracks immediately prior to them getting more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.
There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses appear as if they are not there. But, this is not something that is achievable by DIYers. A tiny crack could create a weak spot in the glass, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a more expensive replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This protects the crack from the outside and blocks air or moisture from getting through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.
Wear protective glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel, or scraper to remove the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull away any wood that is bare and then clean and seal the area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the most time-intensive method, but it can also give your glass a more substantial look. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener in a similar way. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured onto the window, which will help ensure a good seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows be sure that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential for insulating your home and ensuring that heat is kept in during the winter and out in summer. If you take the glass off, those gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method that is used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.