Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped coffee table are among the many factors that can cause cracks in window glass. A broken window can let rain, wind, bugs and other undesirable elements to enter your home.
While it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible but there are ways to fix it and prevent it from spreading further.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. The moisture could damage the wood in the window frame and cause rot. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows without damaging the structural integrity of your current frames.
Wood rot can impact the outside and inside of your windows. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. 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 them. This could be more expensive than buying a brand new set.
A deteriorated seal between double-paned window panes is another issue that requires replacement. This could be caused by condensation or debris that has formed between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation in your window is failing. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't be afflicted with the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.
Loose, cracked or rotting casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other issues. A damaged casing does not mean it's time to replace your windows, but. window repairs near me may be able sand it and repaint the casing to make it look better in accordance with the condition and surrounding wood.
If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to keep moisture from damaging the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements and are prone to suffering from the sun and rain. Paint peeling around windows is caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the outside. Whatever the cause, it's important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative to the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiling oil prior to painting. This helps to slow moisture penetration into the wood, which helps the new paint to stick better.
If the paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut through the underlying sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.
When the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that is ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint make sure you use the proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any other surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according the instructions on the tin you are using. Make sure to adhere to the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can as they differ by type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair however, it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.
Cracked Glass
A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain, bugs, and other unwelcome critters. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if you don't have too large a crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they happen, before they become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.
There are many ways to make damaged glasses virtually invisible. But, this is not an easy task that can be done by a DIYer. Even a small crack will create a weak point in the window, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a larger replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This covers the crack from the outside, and prevents moisture or air from leaking through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic, put on your protective eyewear and gloves, and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel, or scraper to take off the old glazing points that secure the pane. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then seal it with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in the position by using epoxy. This is the most time-intensive method, but it can also give your glass a more robust appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener in a similar way. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured into the window, which can help ensure a solid seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are crucial to insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter and outside in the summer. If you take the glass off these gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills by using the same procedure to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.