Why People Don't Care About Window Repairs
Window Repairs For Hard-To-Reach Areas
A broken window is an urgent problem that needs to be dealt with before the weather gets too cold. This is especially true if the muntins or mullions that hold glass in place have signs of rot or are brittle and need to be rebuilt.
An easy, low-cost fix is to apply a thin layer of transparent shellac (or nail polish) over the crack. This fixes the crack, lessens stress on it and prevents air from leaking through.
1. Tape
If you are in a rush and can't wait to have an expert window repair completed then you can solve the issue by placing several strips of tape over the crack. This will do a good job stabilizing the crack and lessening the strain on the glass. In addition, it can also block cold air from getting into your home through the window frame.
This type of quick fix is also inexpensive and easy to implement. If you are in this situation frequently, it might be worthwhile to invest in a quality masking tap. This tape will last longer and can endure more abuse than the common tape you find in your home.
You can use clear nail polish to temporarily fix windows that have cracked as well as masking tap. It might not be as appealing as tape, but it'll help to keep the crack until you find a more permanent solution. It is necessary to clean the crack thoroughly before applying nail polish. A second coat might be needed after the first has dried to fully fill it in.
The entire frame of the window in self-adhesive flashing tape ($12 at The Home Depot) is another alternative. This product will create an completely waterproof barrier that can keep out rain, snow and wind. It will also help to keep cold air from entering through your windows. Make sure you clean the surface and apply a little of linseed oil prior you apply the tape, which will help it stick to the surface.
Duct tape is also useful for wrapping extension cords to prevent them from rattling on the windows' interiors. Wrap it securely, and assign a different color to each type of cord. This will allow you to identify them prior to using them. This will save you the trouble of finding your extension cords strung up in the winter months when you require them.
2. Glass Repair Film
A broken window is an expensive and unavoidable issue. It can not only create a security risk as it creates an entry point for criminals, it also reduces the amount of natural light and airflow in the building. It is essential to find an effective and fast solution to repair your window, particularly if it can prevent further damage to the frame or its surrounding materials.
In some cases the cracking is too severe for clear tape to fix and a professional glazier may have to replace the glass of the window. This is especially true if your window has double-paned glass. A bad crack could cause gas to leak between the two panes, which can reduce the efficiency of the window. In many instances, a damaged glass window can be fixed by applying a thin film.
This tough and durable temporary repair film is designed to be placed on already broken and cracked window glass to secure it temporarily. This film is used in schools and hospitals to ensure that glass is weatherproof and safe following breakage. The film is optically transparent which means that it does not hinder the view through the window. It can be applied easily to laminated and flat toughened glass. It's also extremely durable with twice the holding of the standard safety window film and can be used as an alternative to plywood or steel sheets with void properties to create an aesthetic and safer pleasing environment.
The film is easily applied using a blade or knife. It's similar to sticky-back plastic, and can be cut to the desired size. The film is then covered with a layer of release liner paper which must be removed before being smoothed using the help of a cloth. This makes the window weatherproof and secure while still allowing sunlight to enter.
It's a less expensive alternative to hiring a glazier for the job. It will also help to prevent further damage to the frame and glass, as well as the surrounds. It is also much faster to install than traditional board up, and can help reduce the risk of OHS problems caused by dangerous shards of glass.
3. Epoxy
Epoxy is a versatile and increasingly sought-after product for repairing wooden surfaces. Boston Building Resources members use it to strengthen porch columns and fix windowsills that are rotting and door jambs. It begins as a caulk-like substance that can be made into shapes like cookie dough. It can also be carved and sanded like wood. It is also fast drying and, unlike other exterior wood fillers that can crack or fall out, it won't fall off.
Epoxies are an extensive category of glues that require two components to mix before they harden and are often referred to as epoxy resins or epoxy binders. They are created from long chemical chains, referred to as monomers, which are bonded to each other by pressure and heat. They can be tinted to match a certain hue, or they could be transparent and used on glass of all types including plain or tempered glass, laminated, and mirrored.
Work in a well-ventilated area and lay down clean cardboard for epoxy. The epoxy will take a few moments to set, so make sure you are prepared with your tools and in a good mood. If you can, break the broken pieces of glass to prevent them from breaking when the epoxy sets.
If you are using liquid epoxy, mix it according to the instructions on the label. If the epoxy dries too quickly, you may heat it with an iron or hair dryer, but take care not to overheat it, or it will harden and lose its ability to shape. Heat will also affect the strength and durability of the bond.
After the epoxy has been smoothed and shaped then it needs to be sanded with 80-grit sandpaper to prepare it for paint. Wear a dust mask while sanding and sand the wood around the epoxy to roughen it up so that paint will adhere.
Epoxy can be used to repair small chips or cracks in windows. However, it is not the ideal method to repair structural joints. Instead, apply the wood dutchman method or scarf, or splice. Additionally, if you're working on an older structure, an epoxy repair could be considered irreparable, and replacing the damaged element is preferable.
4. Glass Replacement
Window repairs are one thing, but windows situated in areas that are difficult to reach, such as dormers or on upper floors need extra care and attention to ensure that they're safe and operating properly. Whether they have broken panes or just aren't easy to open and close, these windows can be energy hogs and security hazards.
Fortunately, window repair experts are able to tackle these repairs too. The windows are first cleaned to remove any shards which might remain in the frame or in the mechanism. The sash (or moveable part of the window) that allows the window to be shut and open is then removed from the frame. The glass pane is then removed. The professional will likely need to wear gloves and eye protection. The professional will also have to take off any glazing compound or points which act as putty fasteners that hold the window panes together. They will then seal the broken glass with tape to protect themselves against the razor-sharp edges.
The window is ready to replace the glass after the glass has been removed. A utility knife can be used to scrape away any remaining glazing compound on the inside of the frame. A wire brush can aid in removing any dirt, paint, or other residue that might be clinging to the smaller crevices of the window frame. repairing double glazed windows will make the sash more secure and better fit inside the frame when it is replaced.
This window repair is much simpler for single pane windows than triple-paned or double-paned windows. The professionals will need to replace the spacers and gas and the panes to restore the window's original appearance. It is worth noting that this type of repair is still more affordable than replacing the entire window.
Be aware that damaged frames and window sills could cause rot and wood damage. Water leakage can also be a major expense for homeowners. These issues can extend to other parts of the home and create more problems if not addressed. It is best to invest in inexpensive window repairs and identify these issues early.