Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are some of the many things that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window could allow wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome elements to enter your home.
There are methods to repair damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is leaking through your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company can replace your windows without damaging the structural integrity of your current frames.
Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If your wood windows have spots of rotting it is possible if the rot isn't too advanced. If the rot has reached the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) it could be necessary to rebuild them. This can be more costly than buying a new set.
window repairs near me damaged seal between double-paned windows is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have the insulation in them. They won't face the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.
Unattractive casings, such as ones that are damaged, cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, can create other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. You may be able sand it and repaint it to make it look better in accordance with the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If the exterior casing isn't in good shape and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to prevent moisture from damaging your window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a beautiful and practical improvement to your home.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
Window sills and frames are often close to the elements and suffer from sunlight and rain. 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 beneath the film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. Moisture can come from condensation in the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. Regardless of the source, it's important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative on the bare wood and thinned boiled oil before painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into wood, allowing the new paint to stick better.
If paint begins to chip off, it's time to repair your window. Before you apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any scattered drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut into the sheathing beneath. 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 surface that's ready for painting. If you're working with lead-based paint make sure you use the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according the instructions on the tin you are using. Be sure to follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can as they will differ depending on the type. Make sure you paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.
Window replacements can be expensive However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is relatively affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair however, it could be worth upgrading them to more modern windows that are more energy efficient.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to wind and rain, as well as bugs. If the crack or tear isn't severe enough you can fix it yourself. It is important to address small cracks as soon as you notice them prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.
There are a myriad of methods that claim to make broken glass invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip could cause a crack in the glass, which could result in more breakage and costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with plastic. The plastic 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.
Before putting on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety glasses and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. Utilize a utility knife scraper, chisel, or scraper to remove the old glazing points that secure the pane. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then finish it off with linseed or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This is the most time consuming however it will give your glass a more robust appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener in a similar way. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy is applied to the window, which can help to ensure a strong seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are essential for insulating your home and ensuring that heat stays inside during winter and out in summer. If you take the glass off, those gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.