Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped table are among the many factors that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window could let rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to enter your home.
There are ways to repair broken glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture can cause damage to the wood in the window frame and cause rot. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window company can replace your windows without destroying the strength of your existing frames.
Wood rot is another problem that affects both the inside and exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have rotting spots, 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) it could be necessary to rebuild the windows. This could be more expensive than buying a new set.
A deteriorated 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of debris between your double-paned windows, or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has gone out of date. Fortunately, many modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't be afflicted with the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.
The ugly casings, like ones that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, can create other issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it you may be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing isn't in great condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint might be all you need to stop moisture from destroying your window. Alternatively, you can 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 often close to the elements and suffer from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for paint peeling around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or from snow and rain outside. It is essential to scrape and sand the surface when you notice the paint chipping. Some skilled artists add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.
If paint starts to crack, it's time to repair your window. To capture any paint that has strayed on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area before applying a fresh coat. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut into the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that is ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use proper safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it like baseboards to shield them from paint.
Then paint, prime and then paint as directed on the specific paint tin you're using. Be sure to follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint can, as these will vary depending on the type. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior surface with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior grade.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are beyond repair, however, it might be worth upgrading them to more modern, more energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to wind and rain, as well as bugs. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if you don't have too big of 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.
While there are numerous methods that claim to make broken glass invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. A tiny crack could create a weak point in the window, which could result in further cracks and a more expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from getting through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety eyewear and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need a utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any old glazing points that bind the pane in position. It is also recommended to use the knife to pry away any wood that is bare and then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This option is the most time consuming however it will give your glass a more substantial appearance. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener equally. This allows you to determine exactly how much applied to the glass which will ensure a solid seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are intact. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter, and outside in the summer. If window repairs near me remove the window the gasses will escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method that is used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.