Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are just among the many factors that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window allows wind, rain, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your house.
There are methods to repair damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.
Water Damage
Water seeping through the window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture could damage the wood of the window frame and cause rot. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.
window repairs is a different issue that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with rotting areas, it may be possible to fix them if they are not too far gone. If the rot has spread to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to replace them. This can be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
A failed seal between the double-paned window panes is another issue that requires replacement. It could be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation built-in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Unattractive casings, such as those that are loose, cracked or rotten, or even missing, can cause various issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the surrounding wood you might be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to keep water from destroying the window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a beautiful and practical 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 primary reason for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to 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 in the interior or 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 that is unfinished and then thinned with boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into wood, which helps the new paint to hold better.
When paint begins to chip, it's the time to consider repairing your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut through the sheathing underneath. Let the area dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.
Once the area is dry, sand it again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that is ready for paint. Use the proper safety equipment when using paint that is based on lead. Clean the sanded area and tape off any other surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint as directed on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint can as they will differ depending on the type. Also, make sure to paint the exterior surface with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior-grade.
Window replacement can be costly, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames can't be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A broken window can leave your home open to wind, rain and bugs. If the crack or break is not too severe you can fix it yourself. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they happen, before they get worse due to time or temperature fluctuations.
While there are numerous methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible but this is an extremely high order for a DIY project. A small crack can create a weak point in the window, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This will cover the crack from the outside, which stops moisture or air from leaking through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic wear gloves and safety eyewear and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to remove the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is empty and then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in its original position with epoxy. This is the longest-lasting option, but it will also give your glass a more substantial look. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential for insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter, and outside in summer. If you remove the glass, those gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same procedure used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.