Who Is Responsible For The Window Repair Budget? 12 Ways To Spend Your Money
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a large drink set on a glass-topped table are some of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A broken window lets rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your house.
While it is not possible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and stop it from spreading further.
Water Damage
The sight of water leaking through the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. 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 a different issue that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have wood windows with rotting areas, it may be possible to repair them if they are not terribly damaged. 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 rebuild the windows. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a faulty seal between the double panes of your windows. It could be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be an indication that the insulation in your window has failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation in them. This means they can't experience the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
Casings that are ugly, such as ones that are damaged, cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, could cause other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. You may be able to sand it and then repaint it to enhance its appearance based on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.
If the casing on the outside isn't in good condition A new coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to stop moisture from destroying your window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a beautiful and practical improvement to your home.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer from rain and sunlight. Paint peeling around windows is mostly caused by moisture, especially when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure below the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. No matter the source it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint the area as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preserver to the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This will help slow moisture penetration into the wood, which helps the new paint to hold better.
If paint starts to crack, it's time to consider repairing your window. To catch any paint that has strayed onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp over the area before applying a fresh coat. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility blade. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut into the sheathing beneath. Clean window repairs 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 base that's ready for painting. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using the appropriate safety equipment. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any other surfaces, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the can of paint as they differ according to the type of paint you're using. Make sure you paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior-grade.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to winds, rain and bugs. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if it's not too big of a crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they occur, so that they don't get worse due to time or temperature fluctuations.
There are a myriad of methods to make broken glass invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. Even a tiny chip could create a weak spot in the glass, which could result in more breakage and an expensive replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, preventing air or moisture from getting through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass off the frame. You'll require a scraper, utility knife or chisel for removing any glazing points that pin the pane into position. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull out any wood that's unfinished and then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This is the most time consuming however it will give your glass a more substantial appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener in a similar way. This lets you 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 vital to keep the heat inside your home during the winter, and outside in summer. If you take the window off the gasses will escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same procedure used to repair cracks in other types of glass.