5 Laws That Can Benefit The Window Repair Industry
5 Laws That Can Benefit The Window Repair Industry
Blog Article
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a large drink that is set on your glass-topped coffee table are among the many factors that can cause cracks in glass windows. A damaged window could let rain, wind 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 getting worse.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows replacing them is typically required. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company can replace your windows, without compromising the structural integrity of your current frames.
Wood rot is another issue that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If your wood windows have rotting spots repairs may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. However when the rot has spread to your muntins or mullions (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This may cost more than a new set windows.
A deteriorated seal between double-paned window panes is another issue that requires replacement. This could be caused by condensation or debris between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation of your window has gone out of date. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have the insulation in them. This means they don't face the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Loose, cracked, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other problems. A damaged casing alone doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, though. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood around it, you may be able to sand or paint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing isn't in good shape A new coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to keep moisture from damaging your window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and suffer from the sun and rain. Paint peeling 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 beneath the film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior, or from rain and snow on the exterior. Regardless of the source it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to prevent moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.
If paint starts to chip, it's time to consider repairing your window. Before you apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any stray drops of paint. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility blade. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut through the sheathing beneath. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.
Once the area is dry and dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paints ensure you're using the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Make sure to adhere to the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint as they will differ by type. Make sure you paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.
Window replacement can be costly, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames can't be repaired, it might 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 crack or tear here isn't severe enough, you can repair it yourself. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they happen, before they get worse due to time or temperature fluctuations.
There are many ways to make damaged glasses appear as if they are not there. But this isn't something that can be done by an amateur. A small crack can cause a weakness in the glass, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a larger replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from passing through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need to use an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that hold the glass in the frame. Utilize the knife to cut away any wood that is bare, and then apply linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into place with epoxy. This is the longest-lasting method, but it can also give your glass a more substantial look. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that distributes resin and hardener equally. This allows you to determine exactly how much applied to the glass which ensures a strong 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 essential for insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter and outside in summer. If you take the window off the gasses will escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced by using the same procedure for repairing cracks on other types of glass.