3 Common Causes For Why Your Window Repair Isn't Working (And How To Fix It)
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are just some of the many things that can cause cracks in glass windows. A broken window allows wind, rain insects, and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
There are methods to repair damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is leaking through your windows, a replacement is usually required. Moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. It can also compromise 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 both the inside and outside of your windows. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. However in the event that the rot has spread to your mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This can be more costly than purchasing a new set.
Another common issue that requires replacement is a damaged seal between your double-paned windows. This can be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has been damaged. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation built into them. window repairs near me won't face the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.
Unattractive casings, such as ones that are cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, could cause other problems. A damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, however. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood surrounding it you might be able to sand or repaint it to enhance its appearance.
If the exterior casing isn't in good shape and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint could be the best solution to prevent moisture from damaging your window. Installing new exterior casing can be a stylish and practical improvement to your home.
Paint chipped or peeling
Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements, so they take a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Peeling paint around windows is caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior, or from snow and rain outside. It's important to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint begin to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.
When paint begins to chip, it's the time to consider repairing 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. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to cut the wood beneath or cut into 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 to receive primer and create a surface that is ready to receive paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when using lead-based paint. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any adjacent surfaces, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin that you are using. Make sure to adhere to the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint as they differ according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it may 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 may be tempted to replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if there isn't too big of a crack or break. It is important to address small cracks as soon as you notice them before they get more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.
While there are many methods that claim to make broken glass invisible, this is a tall task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which could lead to more breaks and a costly 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 and putting on your protective eyewear and gloves, and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need to use a scraper, utility knife or chisel to get rid of any old glazing points that bind the pane into the frame. Use the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then finish it off with Linseed or a clear sealer.
You can then make use of epoxy to stick the glass back in place. This is the slowest alternative, but it will also give your glass a more solid appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener in a similar way. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured onto the window, which can help ensure a good seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, make certain that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are essential to insulate your home and ensuring that heat stays inside during the winter and out during 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 using the same method that is used to repair cracks in other types of glass.