Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown by a lawnmower or a large beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window may allow wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome elements to infiltrate your home.
While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from getting worse.
Water Damage
If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically required. Moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. It could also affect 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 the outside and inside of your windows. If you have windows made of wood with decaying areas, it might be possible to fix them, if they're not too much damaged. However in the event that the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) They may have to be rebuilt. This can be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
A damaged seal between double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be caused by the condensation or the accumulation of debris between your
double glazing repairs-paned windows, or it could be a sign that the insulation inside your window is failing. Modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't face the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.
Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other issues. A damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, though. You may be able to sand it and then repaint it to make it look better in accordance with the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to stop water from destroying the 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. Peeling paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, and is particularly so if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood, and when it evaporates the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. Moisture can come from condensation in the interior or rain and snow on the outside. It's important to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint chipping. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative on the bare wood and thinned boiling oil prior to painting. This helps to slow moisture penetration into the wood,
window repair which helps the new paint to stay better.
If paint starts to chip, it's time for a
window repair. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with an utility knife. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly 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 that's ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific paint tin you're using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the can of paint because they'll differ according to the type of paint you're using. Make sure you paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior-grade.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked glass
A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to winds, rain and bugs. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if there isn't too severe of crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they occur, before they become worse as time passes or temperature changes.
There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses virtually invisible. But, this is not something that is achievable by DIYers. A tiny crack could cause a weakness in the window, which can result in further cracks and a costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This protects the crack from the outside and prevents moisture or air from seeping through, which can damage the frame or
glazing seals around the windows.
Before putting on the plastic wear gloves and safety glasses and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll require a utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any old glazing points that hold the glass in position. You should also make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is bare, then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in place with epoxy. This is the most time-intensive alternative, but it will also give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass which ensures a strong seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows be certain that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are vital to keep warm inside your home in the winter, and outside in summer. If you remove the glass, those gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced in the same way as to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.