Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble that was thrown by a lawnmower or a large beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A window that is damaged allows wind, rain insects, and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
While it is not possible to make a damaged window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from spreading further.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. The moisture can cause damage to the wood in the window frame and cause rot. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without destroying the strength of your existing frames.
Wood rot is another problem that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If your wood windows have spots of rotting it is possible if the rot isn't too advanced. However, if the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This could cost more than a new set windows.
Another common issue that requires replacement is a damaged seal between your double-paned windows. This can be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has failed. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have insulation in them. They won't face the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.
Loose, cracked or rotting the casing around your window is not attractive and 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 then repaint it to improve its appearance based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If the exterior casing isn't in great condition and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be all you need to stop moisture from destroying your window. Installing new exterior casing can be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements, so they can take a lot damage from precipitation and sunlight. Paint peeling around windows is mostly caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure under the film of paint causes it to lose adhesion and peel. Moisture can come from condensation in the interior or rain and snow on the outside. It is important to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint begin to chip. Some skilled painters apply get more info a water repellent preserver to the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiled oil before painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into wood, which helps the new paint to hold better.
If paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood beneath or cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a base that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paints ensure you're using the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint can, as these will vary by type. Also, make 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 less expensive alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Cracked glass
A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain bugs, and other unwanted critters. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if there isn't too big of crack or break. It is important to address small cracks right away prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.
There are a myriad of methods that claim to make broken glass invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. A small crack can create a weak spot in the window, which could result in further cracks and a more expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from getting through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic wear gloves and safety eyewear and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to cut off the old glazing points that secure the pane. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then finish it off with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in place with epoxy. This is the slowest option, but it will also give your glass a more solid look. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener in a similar way. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass, which will ensure a solid seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are important for insulating your home and keeping heat in the winter months and out during summer. If you take the window off, the gases will escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method that is used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.