Enough Already! 15 Things About Window Repair We're Sick Of Hearing
Enough Already! 15 Things About Window Repair We're Sick Of Hearing
Blog Article
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are one of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A broken window allows wind, rain, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your home.
While it is not possible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible however, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from becoming worse.
Water Damage
If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically necessary. The moisture can cause damage to the wood of the window frame and cause the frame to rot. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without destroying the strength of your existing frames.
Wood rot is a different issue that can affect both the interior and the exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have rotting spots repairs may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. If the rot has gotten to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) it could be necessary to rebuild the windows. This can be more costly than purchasing a new set.
A damaged seal between double-paned windows is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be the result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has been damaged. A lot of modern windows have insulation built in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older multi-paned windows.
A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. You might be able to sand it and repaint the casing to enhance its appearance based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If the exterior casing isn't in good shape and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint might be all you need to keep moisture from damaging your window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to provide an attractive and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements, so they can take a lot abuse from sunlight and precipitation. The peeling of paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, and is particularly so if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure in the film of paint causes it to peel and lose adhesion. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the outside. It is important to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint begin to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preserver to the bare wood and thinned boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into the wood, which will help the new paint to hold better.
When paint begins to crack, it's time for a window repair. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any stray drops of paint. With a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut through the glass repair underlying sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
After the area has dried and dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that is ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use the proper safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any adjacent surfaces like baseboards to shield them from paint.
Then, prime and paint as directed on the specific tin of paint you're using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the can of paint as they differ depending on the type. Also, make sure to paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing them. If your window frames can't be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window leaves your home open to wind and rain, as well as bugs. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if you don't have too severe of crack or break. You should address small cracks immediately, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.
There are many ways to make broken glasses appear as if they are not there. However this isn't a project that is achievable by DIYers. Even a small crack will cause a weakness in the window, which could result in further cracks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This will cover the crack from the outside, which stops moisture or air from leaking through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety glasses and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel or chisel to cut off the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. It is also recommended to make use of the knife to pull out any wood that's unfinished and then clean and seal that area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in the position using epoxy. This option is the most time-consuming but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured onto the window, which will help ensure a solid seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are crucial for insulating your home and keeping heat in during the winter and out in the summer. If you remove the window the gasses escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method that is used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.