Why Window Repair Is Necessary Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A broken window can let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to get into your home. There are many ways to fix damaged glass and prevent it from spreading. Water Damage The sight of water leaking through your window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can damage the wood in the window frame and cause the frame to rot. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window company can replace your windows, without compromising the structural integrity of your current frames. Wood rot can affect the outside and inside of your windows. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting it is possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has reached your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) You may have to rebuild the windows. This could cost more than a new set of windows. Another issue that is often required for replacement is a damaged seal between your double-paned windows. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have insulation in them. They won't be afflicted with the same problems as older windows with multiple panes. Loose, cracked, rotting, or missing casings around your windows are unattractive and can lead to other problems. A damaged casing alone doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, though. You might be able to sand it and then repaint it to make it look better in accordance with the condition and surrounding wood. If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop moisture from damaging the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional improvement to your home. Paint chipped or peeling Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements, so they are subject to a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for peeling paint around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood and when it evaporates the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture may come from condensation inside, or from snow and rain outside. Regardless of the source it is important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative on the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into wood, allowing the new paint to stay better. If paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. To catch any paint that has strayed, place a dropcloth or tarp on the surface before applying a fresh coat. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility blade. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing 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 base that is ready for paint. Use the correct safety equipment if you're using paint based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will protect them from paint. Then paint and prime as directed on the specific tin of paint you're using. Be sure to follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint can as they will differ according to the type of paint. Also, make sure to paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior grade. Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair however, it could be worth upgrading them to more modern, more energy efficient windows. Cracked glass A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind and rain, as well as bugs. If the crack or tear is not too severe, you can repair it yourself. It is important to address small cracks right away, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time. There are many ways to make damaged glasses virtually invisible. But, this is not a project that can be done by a DIYer. A small crack can cause a weakness in the window, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This covers the crack from the outside, preventing moisture or air from leaking through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows. Before putting on the plastic and putting on your protective eyewear and gloves, and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to take off the old glazing points that secure the pane. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is unfinished, then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer. You can then make use of epoxy to stick the glass back into place. This method is the most time-consuming, but will give your glass a more solid appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is applied to the window, which can help ensure a solid seal. If window repairs have double- or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are important for insulating your home and ensuring that heat stays inside the winter months and out during summer. If you remove the window, the gases will escape and cause the glass to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills using the same method as to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.
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