Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window could allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
Although it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, 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 damage the wood inside the frame of your window and cause the frame to rot. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot is another problem that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they are not too far gone. If the rot has gotten to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) You may have to replace them. This could cost more than a new set windows.
A damaged seal between double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be caused by the condensation or the accumulation of debris between the double-paned windows or a sign that the insulation of your window has failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation built into them. This means they don't face the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
The ugly casings, like those that are cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, can cause other problems. A damaged casing does not necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, though. You may be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If your exterior casing is damaged It is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to keep moisture from damaging the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a beautiful and practical upgrade to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer a lot from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for the peeling of paint around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure in the film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior or from snow and rain 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 meticulous painters apply a water repellent preserver to the bare wood and thinned boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into wood, which will help the new paint to stick better.
When paint begins to chip, it's the time for a window repair. To catch any paint that might stray, place a dropcloth or tarp on the surface before applying a fresh coat. With a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
After the area has dried, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready to accept paint. Use the proper safety equipment if you're using paint that is based on lead. Tape off any surfaces near to the sanded region, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according the instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the paint's can because they'll differ according to the type of paint you're using. Also, make sure to paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to wind rain, insects and wind. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if there isn't too large a crack or break. You should address small cracks immediately before they get worse due to temperature changes or time.
There are a myriad of methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible but this is an extremely high order for a DIY project. Even a small chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which can result in more breakage and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. It covers the crack from the outside and stops air or moisture from getting through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need to use a utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any glazing points that hold the glass in position. Make window repairs of the knife to remove any bare wood, then finish it off with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the longest-running but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which ensures a strong seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are intact. These gases are essential for insulating your home and ensuring that heat is kept in the winter months and out during summer. If you take the glass off these gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method that is used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.