Some Wisdom On Window Repair From An Older Five-Year-Old
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble that was thrown from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A damaged window could let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to get into your home.
There are ways to repair broken glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
Water that is leaking out of the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of the frame of your window. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without damaging the structural integrity of your current frames.
Wood rot is a different issue that can affect both the interior and the exterior of your window. If your wood windows have rotting spots, a repair may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. However when the rot has spread to your mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This can be more expensive than buying a new set.
Another issue that often requires replacement is a failed seal between double-paned windows. It could be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes or it could be a sign 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.
The ugly casings, like ones that are damaged, cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, can cause various issues. A damaged casing does not suggest that it's time to replace your windows, however. You may be able sand it and repaint the casing to make it look better, depending on the condition and surrounding wood.
If the casing on the outside isn't in good condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint could be the best solution to keep moisture from damaging your window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements and are prone to suffering from sunlight and rain. Peeling paint around windows is caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through 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. Whatever the cause, it's important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil the bare wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.
When paint begins to crack, it's time for a window repair. To remove any paint that has strayed, place a dropcloth or tarp over the area before applying a new coat. Utilizing a utility knife carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut the underlying sheathing. Let the area dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.
Once double glazing repairs Stratford is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that is ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to instructions on the tin you are using. Make sure you follow the curing and temperature guidelines for the paint, as these will vary by type. Also, make sure to 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 damaged beyond repair, however, it might be worth upgrading them to more modern windows that are more energy efficient.
Cracked Glass
A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwelcome critters. You may be tempted to replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if you don't have too severe of crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon they occur, before they get worse due to time or temperature fluctuations.
There are a myriad of methods that claim to make broken glass invisible, this is a tall task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which could lead to more breaks and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from passing through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Before putting on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety glasses and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel, or scraper to cut off the old glazing points that secure the pane. You should also make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is empty, then clean and seal that area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the most time-intensive option, but it will also give your glass a more solid look. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured into the window, which helps ensure a solid seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are important for insulating your house and keeping heat in during the winter and out in summer. If you take the glass off these gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills using the same method as for repairing cracks on other kinds of glass.