Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a small pebble by a lawnmower or a large beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A damaged window may allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to infiltrate your home.
There are methods to repair damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. Moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window company will replace your windows, without compromising the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If your wood windows have spots of rotting it is possible when the rot isn't advanced. However when the rot has spread to the mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This can cost more than a new set of windows.
A failed seal between double-paned windows is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris between your double-paned windows, or it could be a sign that the insulation inside your window has failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have the insulation built into them. This means that they won't have the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
Casings that are ugly, such as ones that are loose, cracked or rotten, as well as missing, could cause other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You may be able to sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance, depending on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If the casing on the outside isn't in good shape and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to prevent moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and suffer a lot from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main reason for paint peeling around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure in the paint film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or rain and snow outside. It's important to sand and scrape the surface when you notice the paint chipping. Some skilled artists apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.
If the paint begins to chip off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any stray glass repairs drops of paint. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using an utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut into the sheathing underneath. 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 is ready for paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment if you're using paint based on lead. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it like baseboards to shield them from paint.
Then paint and prime according to the directions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Be sure to follow the curing and temperature guidelines for the paint, as these will vary according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.
Window replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames can't be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window can leave your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind bugs, and other unpleasant critters. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if there isn't too severe of crack or break. It is important to address small cracks right away prior to them getting more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.
There are a variety of ways to make broken glasses almost invisible. But, this is not a project that can be completed by an amateur. A tiny crack could create a weak spot in the window, which can result in further cracks and a more expensive replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This protects the crack from the outside and stops moisture or air from seeping through, which can damage the frame or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic wear gloves and safety eyewear and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. Utilize a utility knife scraper, chisel, or scraper to remove the old glazing points that secure the pane. It is also recommended to make use of the knife to pull out any wood that's bare and then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into the position using epoxy. This is the longest-lasting alternative, but it will also give your glass a more robust look. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener equally. This allows you to precisely control how much epoxy is poured into the window, which helps ensure a good seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are vital for insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter and outside in summer. If you take the glass off the gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. You can replace gas fills using the same method as to repair cracks in other types of glass.