The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Window Repair
The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Window Repair
Blog Article
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are one of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A broken window can allow wind, rain bugs and other harmful elements to get into your home.
While it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible, there are ways to repair it and stop it from spreading further.
Water Damage
The sight of water leaking through your window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can damage the wood inside the frame of your window and cause the frame to rot. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot is another problem that can affect both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them, if they're not too far gone. If the rot has spread to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes), you may need to replace them. This could cost more than a new set windows.
Another common issue that requires replacement is a faulty seal between your double-paned windows. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has been damaged. A lot of modern windows have insulation built in. They won't face the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.
A cracked, loose or rotting the casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other problems. A damaged casing does not suggest that 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 your exterior casing is damaged, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to prevent moisture from causing damage to the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a beautiful and practical improvement to your home.
Paint chipped or peeling
Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements and are prone to suffering from the sun and rain. Moisture is the main cause for the peeling of paint around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes it to peel and lose adhesion. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. Regardless of the source it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative on the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow moisture penetration into the wood, allowing the new paint to stick better.
If the paint begins to chip off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. To remove any paint that might stray, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a fresh coat. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.
Once the surface has dried, sand again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that's ready to accept paint. Use the correct safety equipment when using lead-based paint. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin that you are using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint can as they will differ by type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.
Window replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it could glazing repairs be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to winds rain, insects and wind. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also 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, so that they don't become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.
There are a myriad of methods to make damaged glass invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. A tiny crack could cause a weakness in the window, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with plastic. It covers it from the outside and blocks air or moisture from leaking through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.
Before putting on the plastic wear gloves and safety glasses and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to remove the old glazing points that secure the pane. Use the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then seal it with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the slowest method, but it can also give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This allows you to determine exactly how much applied to the glass which ensures a strong seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills are intact when resetting the glass. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter and outside during summer. If you take the window off, the gases will escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.