Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble that was thrown from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A damaged window could let rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to enter your home.
There are methods to repair damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.
Water Damage
Water seeping through your window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture could damage the wood inside the frame of your window and cause the frame to rot. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot can impact the inside and outside of your windows. If you have windows made of wood with spots of rot, it might be possible to fix them if they are not too far gone. However when the rot has spread to your muntins or mullions (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes), they may need to be rebuilt. This can be more expensive than buying a brand new set.
A damaged seal between double-paned windows is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be an indication that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't face the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.
The ugly casings, like those that are loose, cracked or rotten, or even missing, could cause other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood around it, you may be able to sand and paint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing isn't in good condition, a new layer of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to prevent moisture from damaging your window. window repair of new exterior casings can be 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 they take a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. Peeling paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture may come from condensation inside, or from snow and rain outside. Whatever the cause it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative to the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into the wood, which helps the new paint to stick better.
When paint starts to peel off, it's time to repair your window. To capture any paint that may stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a fresh coat. With a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to slash the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Once the surface is dry, sand it again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base ready to accept paint. Use the proper safety equipment if you're using paint that is based on lead. 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 according to the directions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Make sure you follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can, as these will vary according to the type of paint. Make sure you paint the exterior surface with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior-grade.
Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair however, it might be worth upgrading them to more modern, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to wind rain, insects and wind. If the crack or break isn't too serious you can fix it yourself. It's best to address small cracks as soon they happen, before they get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.
While there are many methods to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. A small crack can create a weak point in the glass, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This covers the crack from the outside and prevents moisture or air from seeping through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.
Put on your protective glasses and gloves prior to removing the broken glass from the frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to take off the old glazing points that secure the pane. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is bare and then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in place with epoxy. This is the most time-intensive method, but it can also give your glass a more solid appearance. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured onto the window, which helps ensure a solid seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside in the summer. If you remove the window the gasses will escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced by using the same procedure to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.