20 Questions You Must Always Ask About Window Repair Before Purchasing It
20 Questions You Must Always Ask About Window Repair Before Purchasing It
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Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped table are one of the many things that can cause cracks in glass windows. A broken window can let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to get into your home.
While it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from getting worse.
Water Damage
The sight of water leaking through the window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The 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 manufacturer can replace your windows without destroying the strength of your existing frames.
Wood rot can affect the outside and inside of your windows. If you have wood windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them, if they're not too much damaged. If the rot has reached your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to rebuild them. This could be more expensive than buying a new set.
Another common issue that requires replacement is a failed seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be an indication that your window's insulation has been damaged. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation built into them. This means that they won't have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
The ugly casings, like ones that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, can cause various issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it you may be able to sand or repaint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing 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. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to give an attractive and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window sills and frames are often close to the elements and suffer a lot from the sun and rain. Paint peeling around windows is caused by moisture, especially when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior or 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 artists add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil the bare wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.
If paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with an utility knife. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
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 is ready for paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when you're using paint based on lead. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any other surfaces, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.
Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific paint tin you're using. Make sure you follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can as get more info they will differ by type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.
Window replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window leaves your home open to wind rain, insects and wind. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if you don't have too large crack or break. It is important to address small cracks immediately, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.
There are a myriad of methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible but this is an extremely high order for a DIY project. Even a tiny chip could cause a crack in the glass, which can lead to more breaks and costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This covers it from the outside and stops moisture or air from seeping through, which can damage the frame or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic wear gloves and safety eyewear and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any glazing points that pin the glass in position. Also, you should employ the knife to cut out any wood that is empty and then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the most time-consuming however it will give your glass a more robust appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to precisely control the amount applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows be sure that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are essential for insulating your home and ensuring that heat stays inside during the winter and out in summer. If you take the window off, the gases will escape and cause the glass to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.