Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by a lawnmower or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped coffee table are just some of the many things that can cause cracks in glass windows. A damaged window allows wind, rain insects, and other undesirable elements to enter your house.
There are many ways to fix damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.
Water Damage
Water seeping through 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 could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window company can replace your windows without damaging 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 it is possible when the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has gotten to the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to replace them. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
A damaged seal between the double-paned window panes is another issue that requires replacement. This could be caused by the condensation or the accumulation of debris between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation in your window is failing. Fortunately, many modern windows have insulation built-in. This means they don't face the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You may be able to sand it and repaint the casing to enhance its appearance in accordance with the condition and surrounding wood.
If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to keep moisture from causing damage to the window. You can also install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements, so they take a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Moisture is the primary reason for paint peeling around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure under the film of paint causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation inside, or snow and rain outside. No matter the source, it's important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative on the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow moisture penetration into the wood, allowing the new paint to hold better.
If the paint begins to chip off the window, it's time for repairing your window. To catch any paint that has strayed onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the surface before applying a new coat. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
Once the surface is dry, sand it again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready for painting. If you're working with lead-based paints ensure you're using the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces adjacent to the sanded area like 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. Make sure you follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can 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.
Window replacement can be costly, but 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 might be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to wind, rain and bugs. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if there isn't too big of crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't get worse with time or temperature changes.
There are a variety of ways to make broken glasses appear as if they are not there. However, this is not a project that can be done by a DIYer. Even a tiny chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which could cause more breaks and costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, preventing air or moisture from passing through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves before removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll require an utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any glazing points that pin the pane into position. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull out any wood that's unfinished and then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into place with epoxy. This is the slowest method, but it can also give your glass a more solid look. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener in a similar way. This lets you precisely control the amount applied to the glass, which ensures a strong seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be sure that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. double glazing Esher are essential for insulating your house and keeping heat in the winter months and out in the summer. If you remove the glass these gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills by using the same procedure for repairing cracks on other types of glass.