How To Explain Window Repair To A Five-Year-Old
How To Explain Window Repair To A Five-Year-Old
Blog Article
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble that was thrown by the lawnmowers, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window lets rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter 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 an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture can cause damage to the wood in 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 strength of your existing frames.
Wood rot is another problem that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have rotting spots, a repair may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. However in the event that the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes), they may need to be rebuilt. This may cost more than a new set windows.
A damaged seal between double-paned windows is a different issue that requires replacement. This can be a 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, many modern windows have insulation in them. This means that they won't have the same issues as older multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casings around your windows are ugly and could lead to other problems. A damaged casing doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, however. You may be able to sand it and then repaint it to enhance its appearance based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to stop moisture from causing damage to the window. You can also install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and practical improvement to your home.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
Frames and window sills are usually close to the elements, so they take a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Paint peeling around windows is primarily caused by moisture, and is particularly so if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood, and when it evaporates the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior, or from rain and snow on the exterior. It's important to sand and scrape the surface when you notice the paint chipping. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative on the bare wood and thinned boiled oil before painting. This will help slow moisture penetration into the wood, which helps the new paint to stick better.
If paint starts to chip, it's time to consider repairing your window. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch read more any scattered drops of paint. Clean any paint that is loose with an utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut the sheathing underneath. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.
Once the area is dry then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints ensure you're using the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according to the directions on the specific tin of paint you're using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint, as they will vary depending on the type of paint. Make sure you paint the exterior of the surface with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior-grade.
Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing frames. 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 could leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind bugs, and other unwanted creatures. If the crack or break isn't severe enough you can repair it yourself. It is important to address small cracks as soon as you notice them prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.
There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses almost invisible. But this isn't a project that can be completed by a DIYer. Even a small crack will create a weak point in the glass, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a more expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is read more a viable solution. This covers the crack from read more the outside, which stops moisture or air from leaking through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Before putting on the plastic and putting on your protective eyewear and gloves, and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that hold the glass in the frame. You should also make use of the knife to pull out any wood that's empty, then clean and seal that area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in its original position with epoxy. This is the most time-intensive option, but here it will also give your glass a more robust look. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are crucial to insulating and keeping more info the heat inside your home during the winter, and outside during summer. If you remove the glass these gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.