A Productive Rant About Window Repair
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are just some of the many things that can cause cracks in glass windows. A broken window can let rain, wind, bugs and other undesirable elements to infiltrate your home.
Although it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible but there are ways to fix it and stop it from becoming worse.
Water Damage
Water seeping through your window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can cause damage to the wood inside your window frame and cause the frame to rot. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames with no damage to them.
Wood rot can affect both the outside and inside of your windows. If you have windows made of wood with rotting areas, it may be possible to fix them, if they're not terribly damaged. However when the rot has spread to your mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. 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 could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or it could be a sign that the insulation of your window has gone out of date. Modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't be afflicted with the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.
The ugly casings, like those that are loose, cracked or rotten, as well as missing, could cause other issues. A damaged casing alone doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, however. You might be able to sand it and then repaint it to improve its appearance based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If your exterior casing is damaged it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to keep moisture from causing damage to the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a stylish and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and are prone to suffering from rain and sunlight. Peeling paint around windows is primarily 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 paint film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. It's important to sand and scrape the surface when you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preserver to the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into wood, which helps the new paint to hold better.
If the paint begins to chip off the window, it's time for repairing your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any scattered drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut into the underlying sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Once 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 substrate ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use the appropriate safety equipment. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.
Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific paint tin you're using. Make sure you follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint, as these will vary by type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to wind and rain, as well as bugs. If the break or crack is not too severe you can fix it yourself. double glazing repairs St Albans should address small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.
There are a variety of ways to make broken glasses almost invisible. However, this is not a project that is achievable by DIYers. A small crack can create a weak spot in the glass, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This will cover the crack from the outside, and prevents moisture or air from leaking through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need a utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that pin the glass in position. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then seal it with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in the position with epoxy. This method is the longest-running however it will give your glass a more solid appearance. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener in a similar way. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured onto the window, which can help ensure a good seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are crucial to keep heat inside your home in the winter, and outside in summer. If you take the glass off these gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as to repair cracks on other types of glass.