Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble that was thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window could let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to get into your home.
While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from getting worse.
Water Damage
The sight of water leaking through the window frame is a sign that you should replace it. 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 replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.
Wood rot is another problem that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If your wood windows have rotting spots repairs may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has reached your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) You may have to rebuild them. This can be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
A damaged seal between the double-paned window panes is another issue that requires replacement. This could be the result of debris or condensation between the two panes or it could indicate that the insulation in your window has failed. A lot of modern windows have insulation built in. They won't have the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.
Casings that are ugly, such as ones that are cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, could cause other issues. A damaged casing does not mean it's time to replace your windows, though. You may be able to sand it and repaint it to make it look better, depending on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.
If the casing on the outside isn't in great condition, a new layer of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to prevent moisture from damaging your window. Installing new exterior casing can be a stylish and practical upgrade to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements and suffer a lot from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main reason for peeling paint 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. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior, or rain and snow outside. It's important to scrape and sand the surface as soon as you see the paint begin to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.
When paint starts to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any scattered drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut into the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.
After the area has dried, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that is ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints make sure you use proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according the instructions on the tin that you are using. Make sure to adhere to the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint, as these will vary according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with 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 cannot be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A damaged window can make your home vulnerable to rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome creatures. window repairs near me may be tempted to replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if there isn't too severe of crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon they occur, so that they don't get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.
There are a myriad of methods that claim to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a small chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which can lead to more breaks and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This protects the crack from the outside and stops moisture or air from seeping through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety glasses 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 glass in position. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then finish it off with linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in place with epoxy. This is the longest-lasting alternative, but it will also give your glass a more substantial appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener equally. This allows you to precisely control the amount applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are crucial for insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter months, and outside in the summer. If you remove the window, the gases will escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method used to repair cracks in other types of glass.