Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped coffee table are just among the many factors that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A broken window allows wind, rain, insects and other unwanted elements to get into your home.
While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible but there are ways to repair it and stop it from spreading further.
Water Damage
If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically required. Moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. It can also compromise the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.
Wood rot can impact the inside and outside of your windows. If your wood windows have rotting spots it is possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has spread to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) You may have to rebuild the windows. This can be more expensive than buying a brand new set.
Another common issue that requires replacement is a damaged seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be the result of debris or condensation between the two panes or it could be an indication that the insulation in your window has failed. A lot of modern windows have insulation built-in. This means they don't face the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it you may be able to sand and paint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing of your home is damaged It is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to keep moisture from causing damage to the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer from rain and sunlight. Peeling paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure under the film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation inside, or from snow and rain outside. No matter the source it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preserver to the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, which helps the new paint to stick better.
If paint starts to chip, it's the time to repair your window. Before window repairs apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any stray drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with an utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut into the underlying sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready for painting. If you're working with lead-based paints ensure you're using the appropriate safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.
Then paint and prime as directed on the specific tin of paint you're using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint as they differ depending on the type of paint. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior of the surface with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior-grade.
Window replacement can be costly Repairing chipped or peeling paint is inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window could leave your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind, bugs, and other unpleasant critters. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if there isn't too big of a crack or break. It is important to address 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 cracked glasses almost invisible. However, this is not an easy task that can be completed by a DIYer. Even a tiny chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which could lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This covers the crack from the outside, preventing moisture or air from leaking through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.
Wear protective glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need to use a scraper, utility knife or chisel for removing any old glazing points that pin the glass in position. Use the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then apply the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can make use of epoxy to stick the glass back to its original position. This option is the longest-running however it will give your glass a more solid appearance. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener equally. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are intact. These gases are crucial to insulate your home and ensuring that heat is kept in during winter and out in the summer. If you remove the glass the gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.