Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble that was thrown by a lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A broken window can let rain, wind, bugs and other undesirable elements to enter your home.
There are ways to repair a cracked glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. Moisture can cause rot to 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 without damaging them.
Wood rot can affect the inside and outside of your windows. If you have wood windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to fix them if they're not too far gone. However when the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) They may have to be replaced. This could cost more than a new set windows.
A deteriorated seal between the double-paned window panes is a different 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 failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have insulation built into them. They won't face the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.
Loose, cracked or rotting casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other problems. A damaged casing doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, though. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it you may be able to sand it and paint it to enhance its appearance.
If the exterior casing of your home is damaged it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop moisture from causing damage to the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to provide an attractive and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window sills and frames are often close to the elements and are prone to suffering from sunlight and rain. Moisture is the main cause for peeling paint around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation on the interior, or from rain and snow on the outside. Whatever the cause, it's important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to prevent moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.
If paint starts to chip, it's time to consider repairing your window. To capture any paint that might stray, place a dropcloth or tarp over the area before applying a new coat. Utilizing a utility knife carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to slash the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.
When the area is dry then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a surface that is ready to receive paint. Use the proper safety equipment when you're using paint based on lead. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any adjacent surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint as directed on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the paint's can, as they will vary according to the type of paint you're using. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames can't be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window can leave your home open to wind and rain, as well as bugs. If the crack or break isn't severe enough you can repair it yourself. It is important to address small cracks right away prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or time.
There are a myriad of methods that claim to make damaged glass invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. Even a tiny chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which can cause more breaks and an expensive replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This will cover the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from passing through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Before putting on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety eyewear and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel or chisel to cut off the old glazing points that secure the pane. You should also 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.
Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This option is the most time-consuming, but will give your glass a more robust appearance. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured onto the window, which helps ensure a solid seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, make certain that the gas fills are intact when resetting the glass. These gases are essential to insulate your home and ensuring that heat stays inside during the winter and out in summer. If window repairs remove the window the gasses will escape and cause the glass to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same procedure used to repair cracks in other types of glass.
