The No. 1 Question That Anyone Working In Window Repair Should Be Able To Answer
The No. 1 Question That Anyone Working In Window Repair Should Be Able To Answer
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Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A broken window can let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to get into your home.
There are ways to repair damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.
Water Damage
Water seeping through the window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can damage the wood of the window frame and cause rot. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window company will replace your windows without damaging the structural integrity of your current frames.
Wood rot can affect the exterior and interior of your windows. If your wood windows have rotting spots it is possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. However in the event that the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a faulty seal between double-paned windows. This could be due to condensation or debris between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation of your window is failing. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation in them. This means that they won't have the same issues as older multi-paned windows.
Unattractive casings, such as those that are loose, cracked, rotten, or missing, can create other issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. You may be able sand it and then repaint it to enhance its appearance based on the condition and surrounding wood.
If the casing on the outside isn't in good condition and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint could be all you need to keep moisture from damaging your window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and are prone to suffering from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. Moisture may come from condensation inside, or snow and rain outside. It is essential to scrape and sand the surface as soon as you see the paint begin to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce moisture penetration into the wood, allowing the new paint to hold better.
If the paint begins to peel off, it's time to repair your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. With a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut the underlying sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.
After the area has dried, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a base ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces adjacent to the sanded area like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according the instructions on the tin that you are using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint because they'll differ depending on the type read more of paint. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.
Window replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair it could be worth upgrading them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window can leave your home open to wind, rain and bugs. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if there isn't too large crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they happen, before they become worse as time passes or temperature changes.
There are a myriad of methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a small chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which can cause more breaks and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This protects it from the outside and stops air or moisture from leaking through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.
Put on your protective glasses and gloves prior to removing the broken glass from the frame. Utilize a utility knife scraper, chisel, or scraper to remove the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then apply Linseed or a clear sealer.
The glass can be glued back into place by using epoxy. This is the longest-lasting method, but it can also give your glass a more solid look. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you precisely control how much epoxy is poured onto the window, which helps to ensure a strong seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are important for insulating your home and ensuring that heat stays inside during winter and out during 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 procedure used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.