A Delightful Rant About Window Repair
A Delightful Rant About Window Repair
Blog Article
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are some of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A damaged window may allow wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.
There are methods to repair damaged glass and prevent 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 in the wood of the frame of your window. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot can affect the outside and inside of your windows. If your wood windows have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has reached your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes), you may need to rebuild the windows. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
A failed seal between double-paned windows is another issue that requires replacement. This can be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes or it could be an indication that the insulation in your window has failed. Modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't face the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.
Casings that are ugly, such as ones that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, could cause other issues. A damaged casing doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, however. You may be able sand it and then repaint it to improve its appearance in accordance with the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If your exterior casing is in bad shape, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop moisture from damaging the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer a lot from sunlight and rain. Paint peeling around windows is primarily caused by moisture, and is particularly so if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure in the paint film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior, or from snow and rain outside. It's important to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint start to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preserver to the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, which will help the new paint to stay better.
When paint begins to chip, it's time for a window repair. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. With a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut into the underlying sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.
After the area has dried, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready for painting. If you're working with lead-based paint make sure you use the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the can of paint, as they will vary depending on the type of paint. 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 relatively 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 leaves your home vulnerable to winds rain, insects and wind. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if there isn't too big of crack or break. Repair small cracks right away prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.
There are a myriad of methods that claim to make broken glass invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. Even a small crack will cause a weakness in the window, which could result in further cracks and a more expensive replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with plastic. It covers the crack from the outside and stops moisture or air from seeping through, which can harm the frame or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic, put on your protective eyewear and gloves, and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Utilize a utility knife, scraper or chisel, to cut off the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. Make use of the knife to get more info remove any bare wood, then apply Linseed or a clear sealer.
You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the most time-intensive option, but it will also give your glass a more robust look. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass, which ensures a strong seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are essential to keep the heat inside your home during the winter months, and outside in the summer. If you remove the glass, those gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method used to repair cracks in other types of glass.