Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped table are among the many factors that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window lets rain, wind insects, and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
Although it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from spreading further.
Water Damage
If water is leaking through your windows, a replacement is usually required. The moisture can damage the wood in the frame of your window and cause rot. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without causing damage to them.
Wood rot can impact the inside and outside of your windows. If your wood windows have rotting spots repairs may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. However when the rot has spread to your mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This can cost more than a new set of windows.
Another common issue that requires replacement is a failed seal between double-paned windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation in your window has failed. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have insulation in them. They won't have the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.
Loose, cracked, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other issues. A damaged casing alone doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, however. You may be able sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If the exterior casing isn't in good condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint could be all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a stylish and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and suffer a lot from rain and sunlight. Peeling paint around windows is caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure in the film of paint causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation inside, or snow and rain outside. Regardless of the source it's essential to clean and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preserver to the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiled oil before painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, which helps the new paint to stay better.
If paint starts to chip, it's time for a window repair. To remove any paint that may stray, place a dropcloth or tarp over the area before applying a fresh coat. With a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not gouge the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Once the area is dry, sand the area again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that is ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use the proper safety equipment. Clean double glazing repair Corby and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.
Then paint, prime and then paint as directed on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint as they differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.
Window replacement can be costly However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it could be worth upgrading them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.
Cracked Glass
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind and rain, as well as bugs. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if it's not too severe of a crack or break. You should address small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.
There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses virtually invisible. But this isn't something that is achievable by an amateur. A tiny crack could cause a weakness in the window, which can eventually lead to further breaks and a more expensive replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This protects it from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll require an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any old glazing points that pin the glass in place. It is also recommended to employ the knife to cut out any wood that's empty, then clean and seal that area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into its original position using epoxy. This is the longest-lasting alternative, but it will also give your glass a more robust look. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured onto the window, which helps ensure a solid seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are essential for insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter months, and outside in the summer. If you remove the window the gasses will escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills by using the same procedure to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.