Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped table are one of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A broken window allows rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your home.
While it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible but there are ways to fix it and stop it from becoming worse.
Water Damage
The sight of water leaking through your window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can cause damage to the wood in the frame of your window and cause rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames with no damage to them.
Wood rot can impact the exterior and interior of your windows. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they are not too much damaged. If the rot has gotten to the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to rebuild them. This could cost more than a new set windows.
Another common issue that requires replacement is a faulty seal between your double-paned windows. This can be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could indicate that the insulation in your window has failed. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. This means they can't experience the same issues as older multi-paned windows.
The ugly casings, like ones that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, can cause other problems. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You may be able to sand it and repaint the casing to enhance its appearance based on the condition and surrounding wood.
If the casing on the outside isn't in good condition and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint could be all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a beautiful and practical upgrade to your home.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements, and they can take a lot damage from precipitation and sunlight. The peeling of paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, and is particularly so if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture can come from condensation in the interior or rain and snow on the outside. Regardless of the source it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.
When paint begins to chip, it's the time for a window repair . Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut the underlying sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
When the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface ready for paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when using lead-based paint. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any adjacent surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to instructions on the tin you are using. Be sure to follow the curing and temperature guidelines for the paint as they will differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.
Window replacement can be costly, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair it could be worth upgrading them to more modern, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind bugs, and other unwanted creatures. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if there isn't too big of crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they happen, before they become worse as time passes or temperature changes.
There are many ways to make damaged glasses appear as if they are not there. But, this is not an easy task that is achievable by a DIYer. A tiny crack could create a weak spot in the glass, which could result in further cracks and a costly replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This protects it from the outside and stops moisture or air from seeping through, which can harm the frame or seals around the windows.
Wear protective glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass off the frame. You'll need a scraper, utility knife or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that hold the glass in place. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then seal it with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
You can then make use of epoxy to stick the glass back in place. This option is the most time-consuming, but will 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 the same proportion. This lets you precisely control how much epoxy is poured into the window, which will help to ensure a strong seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are essential for insulating your house and ensuring that heat is kept in the winter months and out in summer. If you remove the glass the gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method used to repair cracks in other types of glass.
