A Productive Rant About Window Repair
Why Window Repair Is NecessaryA pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped coffee table are just among the many factors that can cause cracks in glass windows. A broken window allows wind, rain insects, and other undesirable elements to enter your home.
There are many ways to fix broken glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows, a replacement is usually required. The moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows, without compromising the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot is another problem that can affect both the interior and the exterior of your window. If your windows are made of wood and 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 support your glass panes), you may need to rebuild them. This can cost more than a new set windows.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a damaged seal between your double-paned windows. This could be due to the condensation or the accumulation of debris between the double-paned windows or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have insulation built into them. This means that they won't have the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
Loose, cracked or rotting casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood surrounding it you might be able to sand or paint it to improve its appearance.
If your exterior casing is in poor condition it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to keep water from destroying the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casings to offer 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 suffer a lot from sunlight and rain. The peeling of paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure under the paint film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the outside. No matter the source it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint the area as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative to the wood, and then thin get more info boiled oil before painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into the wood, which will help the new paint to stick better.
When paint starts to chip off the window, it's time for repairing your window. Before you apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility blade. Be careful not to slash the wood underneath 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 for primer and create a surface ready to accept paint. Use the proper safety equipment when using paint based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then paint and prime according to the directions on the specific tin of paint you're using. Make sure to adhere to the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint can as they differ depending on the type. Also, make sure to paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior-grade.
Window replacement can be costly Repairing chipped or peeling paint is inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames can't be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A broken window can leave your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind, bugs, and other unwelcome critters. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if it's not too severe of a crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they occur, before they get worse due to time or temperature changes.
There are a myriad of methods to make damaged glass invisible but this is an extremely high order for a DIY project. Even a tiny chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which could result in more breakage and costly replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This protects it from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which can harm the frame or seals around the 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. You'll require a scraper, utility knife or chisel for removing any old glazing points that bind the pane into position. Utilize the knife to cut away any bare wood, then seal it with Linseed or a clear sealer.
You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This method is the most time consuming but it will give your glass a more solid appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener in a similar way. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured onto the window, which helps ensure a good seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are intact. These gases are crucial for insulating your house and keeping heat in the winter months and out in the summer. If you take the window off the gasses escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as to repair cracks in other types of glass.