9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Window Repair
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble that was thrown by the lawnmowers, or a heavy beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window may let rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to infiltrate your home.
While it is impossible to make a cracked upvc window repairs near me completely invisible but there are ways to repair it and prevent it from spreading further.
Water Damage
The sight of water leaking through your window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot is a different issue that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they are not terribly damaged. However in the event that the rot has spread to the mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes), they may need to be rebuilt. This could cost more than a new set windows.
A damaged seal between the double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. This can be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be an indication that your window's insulation has failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation built into them. This means they can't experience the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casings around your windows are ugly and could lead to other problems. A damaged casing alone doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, though. You might be able to sand it and repaint the casing to enhance its appearance, depending on the condition and surrounding wood.
If the casing on the outside isn't in good condition and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to stop moisture from destroying your window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
Frames and window sills are typically close to the elements, which means they are subject to a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Paint peeling around windows is mostly caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. Regardless of the source, it's important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This will help slow moisture penetration into the wood, allowing the new paint to hold better.
When paint begins to crack, it's time for a window repair. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.
After the area has dried, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint you're using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the paint's can as they differ depending on the type. Make sure you paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior grade.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it might be worth upgrading them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to winds, rain and bugs. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if there isn't too severe of crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon they occur, before they get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.
While there are numerous methods that claim to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which can cause more breaks and costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, preventing moisture or air from leaking through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need to use a scraper, utility knife, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then finish it off with Linseed or a clear sealer.
Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This is the longest-lasting option, but it will also give your glass a more solid appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double glazed window repairs-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This allows you to determine exactly how much applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are essential to keep the heat inside your home during the winter months, and outside during summer. If you remove the glass, those gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method that is used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.