Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble that was thrown from the lawnmower or a large beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A broken window allows wind, rain insects, and other unwelcome elements to enter your house.
While it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, there are ways to fix it and stop it from getting worse.
Water Damage
If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically necessary. The moisture can damage the wood inside the frame of your window and cause rot. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company can replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot is another issue that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with decaying areas, it might be possible to repair them, if they're not too far gone. If the rot has spread to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) it could be necessary to rebuild them. This could be more expensive than buying a new set.
Another common issue that requires replacement is a damaged seal between your double-paned windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris that has formed between your double-paned windows, or it could be a sign that the insulation of your window has gone out of date. A lot of modern windows have insulation built-in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casings around your windows are unattractive and can lead to other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. You might be able to sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance in accordance with the condition of the wood and the surrounding.
If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to prevent moisture from damaging the window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements, so they take a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. The peeling of paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure under the film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. It's important to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint begin to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and allow the paint to hold better.
When paint begins to chip, it's time to consider repairing your window. Before you apply a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Utilizing a utility knife carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to slash the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.
Once the surface is dry, sand the area again using a fine sanding pad. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a base that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use the appropriate safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it like baseboards to shield them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according to instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the paint's can, as they will vary according to the type of paint you're using. Also, make sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior grade.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwanted creatures. If the crack or tear is not too severe, you can repair it yourself. It is important to address small cracks immediately prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or time.
While there are numerous methods that claim to make broken glass invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. Even a tiny chip could create a weak spot in the glass, which could result in more breakage and a costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, preventing air or moisture from getting through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass off the frame. Utilize a utility knife scraper, chisel, or scraper to take off the old glazing points that secure the pane. Repair My Windows And Doors You should also make use of the knife to pull away any wood that is unfinished, then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in place with epoxy. This is the most time consuming but it 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 equal proportion. 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 are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential to insulate your home and keeping heat in the winter months and out in summer. If you remove the window, the gases will escape and cause the glass to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills using the same method as to repair cracks on other types of glass.