Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble that was thrown by the lawnmowers, or a heavy beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A damaged window may let rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to infiltrate your home.
There are methods to repair a cracked glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
Water seeping through the window frame is a sign that you should replace it. Moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot is another problem that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with decaying areas, it might be possible to fix them if they are not terribly damaged. If the rot has gotten to the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) You may have to rebuild them. This can cost more than a new set of windows.
Another common issue that requires replacement is a faulty seal between double-paned windows. This can be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could indicate that the insulation in your window has failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have insulation in them. This means they don't face the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Unattractive casings, such as ones that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, can cause various issues. window repair near me damaged casing doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, though. You might be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance based on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.
If your exterior casing is in bad shape it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to prevent moisture from causing damage to the window. You can also install new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window sills and frames are typically close to the elements, which means they can take a lot damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation inside, or from snow and rain outside. Regardless of the source it is important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood prior to painting to prevent moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.
If paint starts to chip, it's time to consider repairing your window. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any stray drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility blade. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.
Once the area has dried, sand again using a fine sanding pad. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a substrate that is ready to receive paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when you're using paint based on lead. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according the instructions on the tin you are using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines for the paint as they differ according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are beyond repair, however, it might be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to wind, rain and bugs. You may be tempted to replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if it's not too big of a crack or break. You should address small cracks as soon as you notice them before they get worse due to temperature changes or time.
While there are many methods to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. A tiny crack could create a weak point in the window, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a more expensive replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This protects it from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which can harm the frame or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety glasses and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need to use an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any old glazing points that hold the pane into the frame. You should also make use of the knife to pull away any wood that is unfinished and then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the slowest alternative, but it will also give your glass a more substantial look. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you precisely control how much epoxy is poured into the window, which helps to ensure a strong seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are intact. These gases are essential for insulating your house and keeping heat in during winter and out in the summer. If you take the window off, the gases will escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.