Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble that was thrown by a lawnmower or a large beverage placed on your glass-topped table. 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 stop it from spreading further.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. The moisture can damage the wood in the frame of your window and cause the frame to rot. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot can affect the inside and outside 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. If the rot has reached your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) it could be necessary to replace them. This can be more costly than purchasing a new set.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a damaged seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation of your window has gone out of date. Modern windows have insulation built in. They won't be afflicted with the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.
The ugly casings, like ones that are cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, can create other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it you might be able to sand or paint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing isn't in good condition, a new layer of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be all you need to keep moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer from sunlight and rain. Moisture is the main reason for paint peeling around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture can come from condensation in the interior, or from rain and snow on the exterior. Regardless of the source it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and help the new paint hold better.
If paint starts to chip, it's the time for a window repair. Before you apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility knife. Be careful not gouge the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
When the area is dry then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a substrate ready to accept paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment if you're using paint based on lead. Clean the sanded area and tape off any other surfaces, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to instructions on the tin that you are using. Make sure to adhere to the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint, as these will vary according to the type of paint. Make sure you paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.
Window replacements can be expensive However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is 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 leaves your home vulnerable to wind, rain and bugs. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if you don't have too big of a crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they occur, before they get worse due to time or temperature fluctuations.
There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses virtually invisible. However this isn't a project that is achievable by an amateur. Even a tiny chip could cause a crack in the glass, which could lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This will cover the crack from the outside, preventing air or moisture from passing through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that bind the pane into place. You should also employ the knife to cut out any wood that is bare, then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.
You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This option is the most time consuming, but will give your glass a more robust appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount applied to the glass which ensures a strong seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are intact. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter and outside during summer. If you take the glass off these gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose its energy efficiency. double glazing repair Wythenshawe can be replaced using the same method as to repair cracks on other types of glass.