Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown from the lawnmower or a large beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window allows rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to get into your home.
While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and stop it from getting worse.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows replacing them is typically necessary. Moisture can cause rot to the wooden frame of your window. It can also compromise the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the inside and exterior of your window. If you have wood windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they are not too far gone. If the rot has spread to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) it could be necessary to replace the windows. window repairs could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
A damaged seal between double-paned window panes is another issue that requires replacement. This could be due to the condensation or the accumulation of debris between your double-paned windows, or it could be a sign that the insulation inside your window has failed. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have the insulation built-in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Unattractive casings, such as those that are loose, cracked or rotten, as well as missing, can cause various 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 based on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.
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 might be all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer from sunlight and rain. Peeling paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, particularly if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior or snow and rain outside. No matter 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 apply a water repellent preservative on the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce moisture penetration into the wood, which helps the new paint to stick better.
If paint begins to peel off the window, it's time for repairing your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility blade. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut the sheathing underneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Once the area is dry then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate ready to accept paint. Use the proper safety equipment if you're using lead-based paint. Clean the sanded area and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it like baseboards to protect them from paint.
Then paint, prime and then paint as directed on the specific tin of paint you're using. Be sure to follow the temperature and curing guidelines for the paint as they will differ by type. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair it could be worth upgrading them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.
Cracked Glass
A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to wind, rain and bugs. If the crack or tear is not too severe you can repair it yourself. It is important to address small cracks right away before they get more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.
There are a myriad of methods to make broken glass invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. A tiny crack could create a weak point in the window, which could result in further cracks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This covers the crack from the outside, preventing moisture or air from leaking through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass off the frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to take off the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. You should also 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 most time-intensive method, but it can also give your glass a more robust look. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that distributes resin and hardener equally. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is applied to the window, which will help ensure a solid seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows be sure that the gas fills are intact when resetting the glass. These gases are important for insulating your house and keeping heat in during winter and out in the summer. If you take the window off, the gases will escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced by using the same procedure for repairing cracks on other types of glass.