Is Your Company Responsible For The Window Repair Budget? 12 Tips On How To Spend Your Money
Is Your Company Responsible For The Window Repair Budget? 12 Tips On How To Spend Your Money
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Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble thrown by a lawnmower or a large beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A broken window can let rain, wind, bugs and other undesirable elements to enter your home.
There are many ways to fix broken glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. The moisture can cause damage to the wood of the frame of your window and cause rot. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company can replace your windows without destroying the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot can impact the exterior and interior of your windows. If your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting repairs may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. However in the event that the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This may cost more than a new set of windows.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a damaged seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be due to condensation or debris between the double-paned windows or a sign that the insulation in your window is failing. A lot of modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't have the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.
Loose, cracked or rotting casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other problems. A damaged casing alone doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, however. 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 all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. Installing new exterior casing can be a stylish and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
Frames and window sills are usually close to the elements, and they take a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. The peeling of paint around windows is caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. Moisture may come from condensation inside, or snow and rain outside. It is essential to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative to the bare wood and thinned boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow moisture penetration into the wood, which helps the new paint to hold better.
When paint begins to chip, it's time for a window repair. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut through the sheathing underneath. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.
Once the area is dry, sand the area again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a surface ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces near to the sanded region, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then paint, glass repairs prime and then paint according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint you're using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the paint's can, as they will vary depending on the type of paint. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior surface with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior grade.
Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing them. If your window frames can't be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to winds, rain and bugs. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if you don't have too big of a crack or break. You should address small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.
There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses appear as if they are not there. However this isn't something that can be completed by a DIYer. Even a small crack will cause a weakness in the window, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This will cover the crack from the outside, preventing moisture or air from leaking through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety glasses and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll require an utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that hold the glass in the frame. It is also recommended to use the knife to pry out any wood that is empty, then clean and seal that area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in place using epoxy. This is the longest-running but it will give your glass a more solid appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-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 ensures a strong seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are essential for insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter and outside during summer. If you take the window off the gasses will escape and cause the glass to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method used to repair cracks in other types of glass.