Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by a lawnmower or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are just among the many factors that can cause cracks in glass windows. A window that is damaged allows wind, rain insects, and other undesirable elements to enter your home.
While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, there are ways to fix it and stop it from getting worse.
Water Damage
If water is leaking through your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. The moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames with no damage to them.
Wood rot is another problem that can affect both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have wood windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to fix them if they're not too much damaged. If the rot has spread to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) You may have to replace the windows. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
A deteriorated seal between the double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation inside your window is failing. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have the insulation built into them. This means they don't face the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. You may be able to sand it and then repaint it to make it look better based on the condition and surrounding wood.
If the casing on the outside isn't in good condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint might be all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casings to offer an attractive and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
Window sills and frames are often close to the elements and suffer a lot from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior or from snow and rain outside. It is important to scrape and sand the surface when you notice the paint chipping. Some meticulous painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil the bare wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.
When paint begins to chip, it's time to repair your window. To capture any paint that might stray on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area before applying a fresh coat. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut through the sheathing underneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
After the area has dried, sand again using a fine sanding pad. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a surface ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paints ensure you're using the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces near to the sanded region, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific paint tin you're using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the paint's can as they differ according to the type of paint you're using. 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 more affordable alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are beyond repair, however, it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind and rain, as well as bugs. If the break or crack isn't too serious you can fix it yourself. Repair small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they become worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.
There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses appear as if they are not there. But this isn't something that can be done by an amateur. A small crack can create a weak spot in the glass, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a costly replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This protects it from the outside and prevents moisture or air from seeping through, which can harm the frame or seals around windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass off the frame. You'll require a utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that bind the pane in place. Also, window repairs should employ the knife to cut out any wood that is unfinished and then clean and seal that area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This method is the most time-consuming but it will give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured onto the window, which can help ensure a good seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are intact. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter and outside during summer. If you take the glass off the gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method that is used to repair cracks in other types of glass.