10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Window Repair
Why Window Repair Is Necessary A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are just some of the many things that can cause cracks in window glass. A broken window can allow wind, rain bugs and other harmful elements to get into your home. While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from spreading further. Water Damage If water is getting into your windows replacing them is typically required. The moisture could damage the wood inside the window frame and cause rot. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames with no damage to them. Wood rot can affect the outside and inside of your windows. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting repairs may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has spread to the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) it could be necessary to rebuild them. This may cost more than a new set of windows. Another issue that often requires replacement is a damaged seal between double-paned windows. This could be caused by the condensation or the accumulation of debris between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation inside your window is failing. Modern windows have insulation built in. They won't be afflicted with the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes. Unattractive casings, such as ones that are loose, cracked or rotten, or even missing, could cause other issues. A damaged casing doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, however. You may be able sand it and repaint the casing to enhance its appearance in accordance with the condition and surrounding wood. If the casing on the outside isn't in great condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint might be all you need to keep moisture from damaging your window. Installing new exterior casing can be an attractive and functional upgrade to your home. Paint that has chipped or peeled Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and are prone to suffering from sunlight and rain. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior, or from rain and snow on the outside. Regardless of the source it's essential to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative to the bare wood and thinned boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, allowing the new paint to stick better. If the paint begins to peel off, it's time to repair your window. To remove any paint that might stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a fresh coat. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut through the underlying sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a surface ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces adjacent to the sanded area like baseboards. This will protect them from paint. Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin 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 with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior-grade. Window replacements can be expensive However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows. Cracked glass A damaged window can make your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind, bugs, and other unwanted creatures. If the break or crack isn't severe enough you can repair it yourself. window repair Gravesend should address small cracks right away, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time. There are a myriad of methods that claim to make broken glass invisible, this is a tall task for a DIY. A small crack can create a weak point in the window, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a costly replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This protects the crack from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which can harm the frame or seals around the windows. Before putting on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety eyewear and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that hold the pane into place. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then apply linseed or a clear wood sealer. You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This method is the most time consuming however it will give your glass a more solid appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured onto the window, which can help ensure a good seal. When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are crucial for insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter months, and outside in summer. If you remove the glass, those gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method that is used to repair cracks in other types of glass.