Ten Things You've Learned In Kindergarden That'll Help You With Window Repair
Ten Things You've Learned In Kindergarden That'll Help You With Window Repair
Blog Article
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by a lawnmower or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are just some of the many things that can cause cracks in glass windows. A window that is damaged lets rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to get into your home.
While it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from spreading further.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows, a replacement is usually required. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of your window frame. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without causing damage to them.
Wood rot can impact the exterior and interior of your windows. If your windows are made of wood and have rotting spots it is possible when the rot isn't advanced. However in the event that the rot has reached the mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
Another common issue that requires replacement is a faulty seal between double-paned windows. This can be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have the insulation built into them. They won't be afflicted with the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.
Unattractive casings, such as ones that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, can cause other problems. A damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, however. You may be able to sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance in accordance with the condition of the wood and the surrounding.
If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape It is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to prevent moisture from causing damage to the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casings to offer an attractive and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements, and they are subject to a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure under the film of paint causes it to loose adhesion and peel. Moisture may come from condensation in the interior or rain and snow outside. No matter the source, it's important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil the bare wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and make the new paint hold better.
When paint begins to chip, it's time to consider repairing your window. To remove any paint that may stray on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp on the surface before applying a fresh coat. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not gouge the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.
After the area is dry, sand the area again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to instructions on the tin that you are using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the paint's can because they'll differ depending on the type of paint. 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 However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is relatively affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked glass
A broken window can leave your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind, bugs, and other unpleasant creatures. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if you don't have too big of a crack or more info break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon they occur, before they become worse as time passes or temperature changes.
While there are many methods that claim to make broken glass invisible, this is a tall task for a DIY. Even a small crack will cause a weakness in the window, which can result in further cracks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This protects it from the outside and prevents moisture or air from seeping through, which can damage the frame or seals around windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves prior to removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to use a scraper, utility knife, or chisel to remove any glazing points that pin the glass in place. Utilize the knife to cut away any wood that is bare, and then finish it off with linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in the position with epoxy. This is the longest-lasting alternative, but it will also give your glass a more solid appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy is applied to the window, which can help ensure a solid seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows be certain that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are important for insulating your house and ensuring that heat is kept in during the winter and out 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 method that is used to repair cracks in other types of glass.