Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are among the many factors that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A damaged window may let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to enter your home.
There are ways to repair a cracked glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows replacing them is typically necessary. The moisture can damage the wood inside the window frame and cause the frame to rot. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.
Wood rot can affect both the exterior and interior of your windows. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they're not terribly damaged. However, if the rot has reached the mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes), they may need to be rebuilt. This can be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
A damaged seal between double-paned windows is another issue that requires replacement. It could be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could indicate that your window's insulation has been damaged. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation in them. They won't have the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.
Unattractive casings, such as ones that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, could cause other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. You may be able to sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance, depending on the condition and surrounding wood.
If the casing on the outside isn't in good shape A new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint might be the best solution to prevent moisture from damaging your window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window frames and sills are typically close to the elements, so they can take a lot wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure in the film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation inside, or snow and rain outside. Regardless of the source, it's important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative to the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into wood, which helps the new paint to stay better.
If the paint begins to chip off the window, it's time for repairing your window. To catch any paint that might stray on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area before applying a fresh coat. Using a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
After the area has dried, sand again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready for painting. Use the correct safety equipment if you're using lead-based paint. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin that you are using. Be window repairs to follow the temperature and curing guidelines for the paint as they will differ according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.
Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair however, it might be worth upgrading them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A damaged window can make your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind bugs, and other unpleasant critters. If the crack or tear isn't too serious, you can repair it yourself. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon as they happen, before they get worse with time or temperature changes.
There are many ways to make damaged glasses almost invisible. But this isn't an easy task that can be completed by a DIYer. Even a small crack will create a weak spot in the window, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a more expensive replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This covers the crack from the outside, preventing 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 a utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any glazing points that hold the pane in place. You should also make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is empty, then clean and seal that area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This is the most time consuming however it will give your glass a more solid appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass which will ensure a solid seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows be certain that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are vital to insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter and outside during summer. If you remove the glass, those gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as to repair cracks in other types of glass.