Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble that was thrown by the lawnmowers, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window may allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
There are many ways to fix broken glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows replacing them is typically necessary. The moisture could damage the wood inside your window frame and cause the frame to rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot can impact the exterior and interior of your windows. If you have windows made of wood with rotting areas, it may be possible to fix them if they are not terribly damaged. However in the event that the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes) They may have to be replaced. This can cost more than a new set windows.
A failed seal between double-paned windows is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between your double-paned windows, or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has failed. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have the insulation in them. This means they can't experience the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
Loose, cracked or rotting casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other issues. A damaged casing does not suggest that it's time to replace your windows, but. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the surrounding wood you may be able to sand or repaint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing isn't in good shape and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint could be all you need to stop moisture from destroying your window. Installing new exterior casing can be a beautiful and practical upgrade to your home.
Paint chipped or peeling
Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements, which means they can take a lot damage from precipitation and sunlight. The peeling of paint around windows is caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood and when it evaporates the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture may come from condensation in the interior or rain and snow outside. Regardless of the source it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, which will help the new paint to stick better.
If paint starts to chip, it's the time to consider repairing your window. To catch any paint that might stray, place a dropcloth or tarp over the area before applying a fresh coat. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut into the sheathing underneath. Let the area dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.
After the area is dry, sand it again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a substrate ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin that you are using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the paint's here can, as they will vary according to the type of paint you're using. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior grade.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are beyond repair, it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window leaves your home open to wind rain, insects and wind. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if there isn't too large crack or break. It is important to address small cracks immediately before they get more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.
There are a myriad of methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible but this is an extremely high order for a DIY project. Even a tiny chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which could lead to more breaks and costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This will cover the crack from the outside, preventing air or moisture from getting through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass off the frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel, or scraper to take off the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Also, you should employ the knife to cut out any wood that's bare and then clean and seal that area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into place using epoxy. This option is the most time-consuming, but will give your glass a more robust appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener equally. This lets you precisely control the amount applied to the glass which helps ensure a good 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 for insulating your home and ensuring that heat is kept in the winter months and out during summer. If you remove the window the gasses will escape and cause the glass to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills by using the same procedure to repair cracks in other types of glass.