Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass could be caused by a small pebble from the lawnmower or a large beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window could allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to infiltrate your home.
There are ways to repair a cracked glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows replacing them is typically necessary. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company can replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot can affect both the inside and outside of your windows. If your wood windows have rotting spots, a repair may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has gotten to the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) it could be necessary to rebuild them. This can cost more than a new set of windows.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a failed seal between double-paned windows. This could be due to the condensation or the accumulation of debris between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation inside your window has gone out of date. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. This means they can't experience the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Casings that are ugly, such as ones that are damaged, cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, can create other issues. A damaged casing does not suggest that it's time to replace your windows, though. window repairs may be able sand it and then repaint it to make it look better based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If your exterior casing is in poor condition, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop water from destroying the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. It's important to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint begin to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preserver to the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into the wood, which will help the new paint to hold better.
If paint begins to peel off, it's time to repair your window. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility blade. Be careful not gouge the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
After the area is dry, sand the area again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a substrate that is ready to receive paint. Use the correct safety equipment when using paint that is based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to instructions on the tin that 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. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames can't be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain, bugs, and other unwelcome creatures. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if there isn't too large crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.
While there are many methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible, this is a tall task for a DIY. A small crack can create a weak point in the glass, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. It covers it from the outside and blocks moisture or air from seeping through, which can harm the frame or seals around the windows.
Before you put on the plastic, put on your protective eyewear and gloves, and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel or chisel to remove the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. It is also recommended to use the knife to pry out any wood that is unfinished and then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in place by using epoxy. This is the most time-intensive alternative, but it will also give your glass a more robust appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This allows you to determine exactly how much applied to the glass, which will ensure a solid seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are crucial to keep the heat inside your home during the winter and outside during summer. If you take the glass off the gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same procedure used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.