Enough Already! 15 Things About Window Repair We're Tired Of Hearing
Enough Already! 15 Things About Window Repair We're Tired Of Hearing
Blog Article
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown by a lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A damaged window allows rain, wind insects, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.
While it is not possible to make a damaged window completely invisible but there are ways to fix it and stop it from becoming worse.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows, a replacement is usually required. The moisture can damage the wood of the frame of your window and cause the frame to rot. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without causing damage to them.
Wood rot can affect the outside and inside of your windows. If you have wooden windows with decaying areas, it might be possible to repair them, if they're not too far gone. If the rot has gotten to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) it could be necessary to replace them. This can cost more than a new set windows.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a failed seal between the double panes of your windows. This can be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could indicate that the insulation in your window has failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have insulation built-in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casings around your windows are not attractive and could cause other issues. A damaged casing doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, however. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood surrounding it you may be able to sand or paint it to enhance its appearance.
If your exterior casing is in bad shape it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to prevent moisture from damaging the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window sills and frames are typically close to the elements, which means they are subject to a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for peeling paint around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure under the film of paint causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior, or from snow and rain outside. It's important to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint begin to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to prevent moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.
If the paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. With a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to slash the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
Once the area is dry, sand the area again using a fine sanding pad. 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 proper safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any adjacent surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according the instructions on the tin that you are using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the can of paint, as they will vary according to the type of paint you're using. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.
Window replacement can be costly However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is relatively affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames can't be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window can make your home vulnerable to wind, rain, bugs, and other unwanted creatures. If the break or crack is not too severe you can repair it yourself. You should address small cracks as soon as you notice them prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or time.
There are a myriad of methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible, this is a tall task for a DIY. Even a small chip glazing repair can cause a crack in the glass, which could cause more breaks and costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. It covers the crack from the outside and blocks moisture or air from seeping through, which can harm the frame or seals around windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll require a utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any old glazing points that pin the glass in the frame. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then seal it with linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in the position using epoxy. This is the most time-consuming, but will give your glass a more solid appearance. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that distributes resin and hardener equally. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are vital to keep the heat inside your home during the winter and outside in summer. If you remove the glass these gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method that is used to repair cracks in other types of glass.