Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are just one of the many things that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window may let rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to infiltrate your home.
While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and stop it from spreading further.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows replacing them is typically necessary. The moisture can cause damage to the wood in the window frame and cause rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot is another problem that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they're not too much damaged. However in the event that the rot has spread to your muntins or mullions (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes), they may need to be rebuilt. This may cost more than a new set of windows.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a damaged seal between your double-paned windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris that has formed between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation of your window has gone out of date. Modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't face the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.
Loose, cracked or rotting the casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other issues. A damaged casing doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, though. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood surrounding it you may be able to sand and repaint it to enhance its appearance.
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 damaging the window. Installing new exterior casing can be a beautiful and practical upgrade to your home.
Paint chipped or peeling
Frames and window sills are usually close to the elements, and they take a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Paint peeling around windows is primarily caused by moisture, particularly if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure below the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior, or rain and snow outside. No matter the source it is important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.
If paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. Utilizing a utility knife carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut through the sheathing underneath. Allow the area to dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
Once the surface is dry, sand the area again using a fine sanding pad. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a substrate that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint you're using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint as they will differ by type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade paint.
Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing them. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain, bugs, and other unwelcome critters. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if it's not too big of crack or break. You should address small cracks as soon as you notice them prior to them getting more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.
There are many ways to make broken glasses virtually invisible. However this isn't an easy task that is achievable by DIYers. Even window repair Bow can cause a weak spot to the glass, which can lead to more breaks and costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, and prevents moisture or air from leaking through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll require a scraper, utility knife, or chisel to remove any glazing points that bind the pane into position. You should also use the knife to pry away any wood that is empty, then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into its original position by using epoxy. This method is the most time-consuming however it will give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This allows you to control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are intact when resetting the glass. These gases are vital for insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter and outside during summer. If you take the glass off the gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced in the same way as to repair cracks on other types of glass.