9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Window Repair
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are just among the many factors that can cause cracks in window glass. A window that is damaged allows rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to get into your home.
While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from getting worse.
Water Damage
If water is leaking through your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. Moisture can cause rot to the wooden frame of your window. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot can affect the inside and outside of your windows. If your windows are made of wood and have rotting spots, a repair may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. If the rot has gotten to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) You may have to rebuild them. This may cost more than a new set of windows.
A deteriorated seal between double-paned windows is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has been damaged. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have the insulation built-in. They won't have the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.
Loose, cracked, rotting, or missing casings around your windows are not attractive and could cause other issues. A damaged casing does not suggest that it's time to replace your windows, however. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the surrounding wood you might be able to sand and repaint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to prevent water from destroying the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
upvc window repair frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements, so they are subject to a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes it to peel and lose adhesion. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. Whatever the cause, it's important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood before painting to prevent moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.
If paint starts to chip, it's time for a window repair. To capture any paint that has strayed, 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 blade. Be careful not to slash the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
When the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base ready to accept paint. Use the proper safety equipment when using paint based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
Then paint and prime as directed on the specific paint tin you're using. Make sure you follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can as they differ according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.
Window replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window leaves your home open to wind, rain and bugs. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if you don't have too large crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they happen, before they become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.
While there are numerous methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. A tiny crack could cause a weakness in the glass, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from passing through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic wear gloves and safety glasses and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Utilize a utility knife scraper, chisel or chisel to remove the old glazing points that secure the pane. It is also recommended to employ the knife to cut out any wood that is empty, then clean and seal the area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This option is the most time-consuming, but will give your glass a more substantial appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener in a similar way. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are crucial to insulate your home and keeping heat in during the winter and out in summer. If you take the glass off, those gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced by using the same procedure to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.
