Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are just among the many factors that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A broken window allows rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your house.
While it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from spreading further.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows replacing them is typically required. 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 damaging the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If your wood windows have rotting spots, a repair may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. However when the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This may cost more than a new set of windows.
Another issue that often requires replacement is a damaged seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris between the double-paned windows or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation built into them. This means they can't experience the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose or rotting the casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. You may be able sand it and repaint it to make it look better, depending on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.
If the exterior casing isn't in great condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint might be all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
double glazing repairs Nottingham that has peeled or chipped
Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements and suffer from the sun and rain. Moisture is the main reason for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure below the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior, or rain and snow outside. It's important to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint chipping. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood before painting to prevent moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.
If the paint begins to chip off the window, it's time for repairing your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility blade. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut into the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
Once the surface has dried, sand again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that is ready for paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment if you're using lead-based paint. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any adjacent surfaces like baseboards to shield them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according the instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint because they'll differ depending on the type of paint. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior-grade.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair however, it might be worth upgrading them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.
Cracked glass
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind and rain, as well as bugs. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if you don't have too big of a crack or break. It is important to address small cracks right away prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or time.
There are many ways to make damaged glasses almost invisible. However this isn't something that can be completed by DIYers. Even a small crack will create a weak spot in the window, which can eventually lead to further breaks and a costly replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This will cover the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from getting through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.
Before putting on the plastic wear gloves and safety glasses and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need to use a utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that hold the glass in place. Also, you should use the knife to pry away 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 its original position with epoxy. This is the most time-intensive method, but it can also give your glass a more substantial look. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder type that dispenses 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.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, make certain that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are vital for insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside during summer. If you remove the window the gasses will escape and cause the glass to reduce its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced in the same way as to repair cracks on other types of glass.