Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are among the many factors that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A broken window allows rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to get into your home.
There are many ways to fix damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows replacing them is typically required. The moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows, without compromising the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot can impact the exterior and interior of your windows. If your wood windows have spots of rotting it is possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. However when the rot has spread to your mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This can be more costly than buying a brand new set.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a damaged seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be due to condensation or debris between the double-paned windows or it could be a sign that the insulation inside your window is failing. Fortunately, many modern windows have insulation built into them. They won't be afflicted with the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.
A cracked, loose or rotting casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it you may be able to sand or paint it to improve its appearance.
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 stop moisture from destroying your window. You can also install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window sills and frames are often close to the elements and are prone to suffering from rain and sunlight. Paint peeling around windows is caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure in the paint film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. It's important to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint start to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to prevent moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.
If paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before you apply a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any scattered drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility blade. Be careful not to slash the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. 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 substrate ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paints ensure you're using the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according the instructions on the tin you are using. Make sure to adhere to the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint, as these will vary by type. Make sure you paint the exterior surface 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 frames. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind bugs, and other unwanted critters. You might 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 best to address small cracks as soon they occur, before they become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.
There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses virtually invisible. But, this is not an easy task that is achievable by an amateur. A small crack can create a weak point in the window, which can result in further cracks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. It covers it from the outside and blocks air or moisture from getting through, which could damage the frame 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. You'll need an utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any old glazing points that bind the pane in position. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then seal it with linseed or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This is the longest-lasting option, but it will also give your glass a more solid look. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener in a similar way. window repairs near me lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass, which ensures a strong seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are crucial for insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside during summer. If you remove the window the gasses will escape and cause the glass to reduce its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced by using the same procedure to repair cracks in other types of glass.