How The 10 Worst Window Repair Errors Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers, or a heavy beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window lets rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to get into your home.
There are many ways to fix a cracked glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically necessary. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of the frame of your window. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window company will replace your windows without destroying the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot can affect both the exterior and interior of your windows. If your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting repairs may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. However when window repairs has spread to your mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes) They may have to be replaced. This can be more expensive than buying a new set.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a faulty seal between double-paned windows. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation of your window is failing. A lot of modern windows have insulation built-in. This means that they won't have the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose or rotting the casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood surrounding it you may be able to sand or repaint it to improve its appearance.
If your exterior casing is in poor condition, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to keep moisture from causing damage to the window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a stylish and practical improvement to your home.
Paint chipped or peeling
Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements, which means they are subject to a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. Paint peeling around windows is mostly caused by moisture, especially when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior, or snow and rain outside. It is important to scrape and sand the surface when you notice the paint begin to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative to the bare wood and thinned boiled oil before painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, which will help the new paint to hold better.
When paint begins to crack, it's time to consider repairing your window. To capture any paint that may stray, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a new coat. Utilizing a utility knife carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut the sheathing beneath. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.
After the area is dry, sand the area again with a fine sanding pad. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a substrate that is ready to receive paint. Use the correct safety equipment if you're using paint that is based on lead. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any adjacent surfaces, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according the instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the paint's can, as they will vary according to the type of paint you're using. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.
Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are beyond repair, it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window can make your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwelcome critters. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if you don't have too big of a crack or break. You should address small cracks right away prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.
While there are numerous methods that claim to make damaged glass invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. Even a small crack will create a weak spot in the window, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. It covers it from the outside and prevents air or moisture from leaking through, which can damage the frame or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety glasses and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need to use a utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that bind the pane in place. Also, you should employ the knife to cut away any wood that is bare, then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.
You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This option is the longest-running however it will give your glass a more solid appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener in a similar way. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured into the window, which will help to ensure a strong seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows be sure that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are essential for insulating your home and keeping heat in during the winter and out during summer. If you take the window off the gasses will escape and cause the glass to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as for repairing cracks on other kinds of glass.