Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble that was thrown from the lawnmower or a large drink placed on the table that has a glass top. A damaged window may let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to get into your home.
While it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and stop it from becoming worse.
Water Damage
Water that is leaking out of your window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can cause damage to the wood of the frame of your window and cause rot. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.
Wood rot is another problem that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If your windows are made of wood and have rotting spots repairs may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. However, if the rot has reached the mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This can cost more than a new set windows.
Another common issue that requires replacement is a faulty seal between double-paned windows. This can be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has been damaged. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. They won't face the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.
The ugly casings, like those that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, could cause other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it, you may be able to sand or 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 exterior painting to stop moisture from damaging the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Frames and window sills are often in close proximity to the elements, and they can take a lot abuse from sunlight and precipitation. The peeling of paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure under the paint film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation inside, or from snow and rain outside. Whatever the cause, it's important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiling oil prior to painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into wood, allowing the new paint to stay better.
When paint begins to chip, it's time for a window repair. Before you apply a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut through 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 make the surface ready for primer and create a surface that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paints ensure you're using proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
Then paint, prime and then paint 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 will vary depending on the type. Make sure you 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 more affordable alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to wind and rain, as well as bugs. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if you don't have too large crack or break. It is important to address small cracks as soon as you notice them before they get worse due to temperature changes or time.
There are many ways to make damaged glasses virtually invisible. However this isn't a project that can be completed by DIYers. Even a small crack will create a weak point in the glass, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This will cover the crack from the outside, preventing moisture or air from leaking through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.
Before putting on the plastic and putting on your protective eyewear and gloves, and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel, or scraper to remove the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. Utilize the knife to cut away any bare wood, then apply Linseed or a clear sealer.
The glass can be glued back into place by using epoxy. This method is the most time consuming however it will give your glass a more robust appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser here that dispensing resin and hardener equally. This lets you precisely control how much epoxy is poured into the window, which helps ensure a good seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows be certain that the gas fills are intact when resetting the glass. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter months, and outside in summer. If you take the glass off these gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same procedure used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.