Some Wisdom On Window Repair From An Older Five-Year-Old
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 to glass in windows. A broken window can allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and stop it from becoming worse.
Water Damage
The sight of water leaking through your window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can damage the wood of your window frame and cause rot. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot is another problem that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have rotting spots, a repair may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has reached your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) it could be necessary to rebuild them. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a failed seal between your double-paned windows. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation in your window is failing. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have the insulation built into them. This means they don't face the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
The ugly casings, like those that are damaged, cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, could cause other problems. A damaged casing does not mean it's time to replace your windows, however. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it you might be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing of your home is damaged, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop moisture from damaging the window. You can also install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint chipped or peeling
Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer a lot from rain and sunlight. Paint peeling around windows is mostly caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure in the film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. It's important to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative to the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiling oil prior to painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into wood, which helps the new paint to stick better.
If paint starts to chip, it's time to repair your window. Before window repair near me apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any stray drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a base that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paints ensure you're using proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any other surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin that you are using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the paint's can as they differ according to the type of paint you're using. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade paint.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair however, it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain, bugs, and other unwanted creatures. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if you don't have too large a crack or break. You should address small cracks right away before they get more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.
There are many ways to make damaged glasses appear as if they are not there. But, this is not a project that is achievable by DIYers. A tiny crack could create a weak spot in the glass, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a more expensive replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This covers the crack from the outside and blocks moisture or air from seeping through, which can damage the frame or seals around windows.
Before putting on the plastic wear gloves and safety glasses and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to cut off the old glazing points that secure the pane. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then apply Linseed or a clear sealer.
You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the longest-lasting option, but it will also give your glass a more solid look. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that distributes resin and hardener in a similar way. This allows you to precisely control the amount applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are essential to keep the heat inside your home during the winter and outside in summer. If you remove the glass, those gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.