Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped table are among the many factors that can cause cracks in window glass. A window that is damaged allows wind, rain, insects and other unwanted elements to get into your home.
While it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from getting worse.
Water Damage
Water seeping through your window frame is a sign that you should replace it. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of your window frame. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window company will replace your windows without damaging the strength of your existing frames.
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 when the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has spread to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes), you may need to rebuild the windows. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
A damaged seal between double-paned windows is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation inside your window has gone out of date. Fortunately, many modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't have the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.
A cracked, loose or rotting the casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. You may be able to sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance, depending on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.
If the casing on the outside isn't in great condition and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint might be all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements, which means they can take a lot wear and tear from rain 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. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. Regardless of the source it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some meticulous painters add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.
If paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. To remove any paint that may stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp over the area before applying a new coat. With a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
After the area is dry, sand the area again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that is ready for paint. Use the proper safety equipment when you're using paint based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint as directed on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint as they differ according to the type of paint you're using. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with double glazing repairs interior-grade.
Window replacements can be expensive However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it might be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window can make your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind bugs, and other unpleasant creatures. If the crack or tear isn't severe enough you can repair it yourself. Repair small cracks right away, before they become worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.
There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses appear as if they are not there. But this isn't something that can be completed by an amateur. A small crack can create a weak point in the glass, which could result in further cracks and a costly replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. 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 you put on the plastic wear gloves and safety glasses and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Utilize a utility knife scraper, chisel, or scraper to take off the old glazing points that secure the pane. You should also use the knife to pry out any wood that's unfinished and then clean and seal that area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into its original position with epoxy. This is the longest-lasting method, but it can also give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured onto the window, which helps to ensure a strong seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, make certain that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential to insulate your home and keeping heat in during the winter and out in the summer. If you take the glass off these gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method that is used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.