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 among the many factors that can cause cracks in glass windows. A window that is damaged lets rain, wind insects, and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
There are many ways to fix broken glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is leaking through your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. The moisture could damage the wood inside the window frame and cause rot. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.
Wood rot can affect the exterior and interior of your windows. If you have wood windows with decaying areas, it might be possible to repair them if they are not too far gone. However when the rot has spread to the mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This can be more costly than buying a new set.
A failed seal between the double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. window repairs near me 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 been damaged. A lot of modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't be afflicted with the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.
Loose, cracked or rotting casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. A damaged casing does not suggest that it's time to replace your windows, though. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it you may be able to sand and repaint it to improve its appearance.
If the casing on the outside isn't in great condition, a new layer of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements, and they take a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Moisture is the primary reason for peeling paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior, or from rain and snow on the outside. No matter the source it's essential to clean and sand the surface and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow moisture penetration into the wood, allowing the new paint to hold better.
If the paint begins to chip off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before you apply a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility blade. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut into the sheathing. 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 surface that's ready for painting. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use the proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.
Then paint, prime and then paint according to the directions on the specific tin of paint you're using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint as they differ depending on the type. Make sure you paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior-grade.
Window replacement can be costly Repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Cracked glass
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to winds and rain, as well as bugs. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if it's not too severe of crack or break. Repair small cracks right away, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.
There are a myriad of methods that claim to make broken glass invisible but this is an extremely high order for a DIY project. Even a tiny chip can cause a crack in the glass, which could lead to more breaks and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. It covers the crack from the outside and prevents air or moisture from leaking through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.
Before putting on the plastic wear gloves and safety glasses and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that hold the pane into place. You should also employ the knife to cut out any wood that is bare, then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in the position by using epoxy. This method is the longest-running, but will give your glass a more robust appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is applied to the window, which will help to ensure a strong seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are essential for insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter months, and outside in summer. If you remove the glass the gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same procedure used to repair cracks in other types of glass.