Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink that is set on your glass-topped coffee table are just among the many factors that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window could allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
While it is not possible to make a damaged window completely invisible however, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from spreading further.
Water Damage
If water is leaking through your windows, a replacement is usually necessary. The moisture can damage the wood in your window frame and cause the frame to rot. 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 can affect the inside and outside of your windows. If your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. However when the rot has spread to your muntins or mullions (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This may cost more than a new set windows.
A deteriorated seal between double-paned windows is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation in your window has gone out of date. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation in them. This means that they won't have the same issues as older multi-paned windows.
window repairs , such as ones that are loose, cracked, rotten, or missing, could cause other issues. A damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, however. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the surrounding wood, you may be able to sand or repaint it to enhance its appearance.
If the casing on the outside isn't in good shape and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. Installing new exterior casing can be an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and suffer a lot from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main reason for peeling paint around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure under the paint film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior or rain and snow on the outside. It's important to scrape and sand the surface when you notice the paint chipping. Some meticulous painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and make the new paint hold better.
If the paint begins to chip off the window, it's time for repairing your window. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any scattered drops of paint. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut through the sheathing underneath. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.
After the area is dry, sand it again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a surface that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use proper safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any other surfaces, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the paint's can, as they will vary depending on the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing them. If your window frames can't be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window leaves your home open to wind, rain and bugs. You may be tempted to replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if you don't have too large crack or break. You should address small cracks immediately before they get worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.
While there are many methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. Even a small chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which can lead to more breaks and an expensive replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This protects the crack from the outside and blocks moisture or air from seeping through, which can damage the frame or seals around windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass off the frame. You'll require a scraper, utility knife, or chisel to remove any glazing points that hold the glass in place. Make use of the knife to remove any bare wood, then apply linseed or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This is the most time-intensive option, but it will also give your glass a more robust look. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to determine exactly how much applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are vital for insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter, and outside in summer. If you remove the glass these gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same procedure used to repair cracks in other types of glass.