10 Tell-Tale Signs You Need To Know Before You Buy Window Repair
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are just among the many factors that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window could allow wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.
Although it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and stop it from spreading further.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows, a replacement is usually required. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of the frame of your window. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without causing damage to them.
Wood rot is another issue that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. However, if the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This can cost more than a new set windows.
A deteriorated seal between double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This can be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could indicate that the insulation in your window has failed. Many modern windows come with insulation built in. This means they don't face the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose or rotting casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood around it, you may be able to sand or paint it to enhance its appearance.
If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to prevent moisture from damaging the window. Installing new exterior casing can be a beautiful and practical upgrade to your home.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
Window sills and frames are often close to the elements and are prone to suffering from the sun and rain. Moisture is the main reason for peeling paint around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood, and once 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 rain and snow outside. It's important to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint chipping. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.
If paint starts to chip, it's the time for a window repair. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any scattered 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. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Once the surface has dried, sand again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that is ready for paint. Use the proper safety equipment when you're using paint based on lead. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the specific paint tin you're using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint can as they differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.
Window replacement can be costly However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it could be worth upgrading them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to winds and rain, as well as bugs. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if there isn't too large a crack or break. You should address small cracks right away, before they become worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.
While there are many methods to make damaged glass invisible but this is an extremely high order for a DIY project. Even a small crack will cause a weakness in the window, which can eventually lead to further breaks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This protects it from the outside and prevents 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 take the broken piece of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel or chisel to cut off the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. You should also make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is unfinished and then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into the position using epoxy. This is the slowest 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 allows you to control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which ensures a strong seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are intact. window repairs are essential for insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter, and outside in summer. If you take the window off the gasses will escape and cause the glass to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method that is used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.