Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a large drink set on your glass-topped table are some of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A window that is damaged allows wind, rain insects, and other unwelcome elements to enter your home.
While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, there are ways to fix it and stop it from getting worse.
Water Damage
Water that is leaking out of your window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture can cause damage to the wood of the window frame and cause the frame to rot. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window company can replace your windows without damaging the structural integrity of your current frames.
Wood rot can impact the exterior and interior of your windows. If you have windows made of wood with decaying areas, it might be possible to repair them if they're not terribly damaged. If the rot has reached 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 expensive than purchasing a new set.
Another issue that often requires replacement is a failed seal between your double-paned windows. It could be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could be an indication that the insulation in your
Window Doctor has failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation in them. They won't have the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.
A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become 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 and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for peeling paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure under the film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior, or snow and rain outside. It is essential to scrape and sand the surface as soon as you see the paint chipping. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative to the wood that is unfinished and
window Doctor then thinned with boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into wood, allowing the new paint to stick better.
If paint begins to peel off, it's time to repair your window. To remove any paint that has strayed on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp on the surface before applying a new coat. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
When 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 base that's ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paints ensure you're using the proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded area and tape off any adjacent surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.
Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific paint tin you're using. Make sure to adhere to the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint as they will differ by type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade.
Window replacements can be expensive, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your
window replacement frames can't be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window leaves your home open to wind rain, insects and wind. If the break or crack isn't severe enough, you can repair it yourself. You should address small cracks right away before they get more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.
While there are numerous methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. Even a small crack will cause a weakness in the window, 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 blocks moisture or air from seeping through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves before removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll need a scraper, utility knife or chisel for removing any old glazing points that bind the glass in position. You should also employ the knife to cut out any wood that's unfinished and then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
You can then make use of epoxy to stick the glass back in place. This is the most time-consuming but it will give your glass a more solid appearance. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass, which ensures a strong seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are essential for insulating your house and ensuring that heat is kept in during the winter and out during summer. If you remove the glass, those gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced using the same method as to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.