Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a large drink 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 unwanted elements to enter your house.
While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible however, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from getting worse.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows, a replacement is usually necessary. Moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without destroying the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them, if they're not terribly damaged. However when the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This may cost more than a new set windows.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a failed seal between double-paned windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris that has formed between your double-paned windows, or it could be a sign that the insulation inside your window has failed. Modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't have the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.
The ugly casings, like those that are cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, can create other problems. A damaged casing does not suggest that it's time to replace your windows, however. You may be able to sand it and then repaint it to improve its appearance, depending on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.
If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to stop moisture from damaging the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint chipped or peeling
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer a lot from the sun and rain. Peeling paint around windows is caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. Whatever the cause it is important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preserver to the bare wood and thinned boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into wood, which will help the new paint to hold better.
When paint starts to peel off, it's time to repair your window. To catch any paint that may stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a new coat. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut the sheathing underneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Once the area has dried, sand again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready to accept paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when you're using lead-based paint. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
Then paint, prime and then paint according to the directions on the specific tin of paint you're using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint because they'll differ according to the type of paint you're using. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.
Window replacement can be costly Repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it could be worth upgrading them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.
Cracked glass
A damaged window leaves your home open to wind and rain, as well as bugs. If the crack or tear is not too severe you can fix it yourself. It's best to address small cracks as soon they occur, before they become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.
There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses virtually invisible. However this isn't an easy task that can be done by a DIYer. Even a small crack will create a weak point in the window, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a larger replacement. upvc door repairs A good solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from passing through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.
Before putting on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety eyewear and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to remove the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull away any wood that is empty and then clean and seal that area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in place with epoxy. This is the most time consuming but it will give your glass a more solid appearance. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to control exactly how much is applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, make certain that the gas fills are intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are vital to insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter, and outside in the summer. If you take the window off, the gases will escape and cause the glass to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method that is used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.