Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are just one of the many things that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window allows rain, wind insects, and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and stop it from spreading further.
Water Damage
Water that is leaking out of your window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture could damage the wood inside your window frame and cause rot. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames with no damage to them.
Wood rot is another issue that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have wooden windows with decaying areas, it might be possible to fix them, if they're not too far gone. However in the event that the rot has spread to the mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This may 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 indicate that the insulation in your window has failed. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. They won't face the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.
Cracked, loose or rotting the casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it you may be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance.
If your exterior casing is in poor condition, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to prevent water from destroying the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window sills and frames are often close to the elements and are prone to suffering from sunlight and rain. Paint peeling around windows is primarily caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes it to peel and lose adhesion. The moisture can be caused by condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. It is important to scrape and sand the surface as soon as you see the paint start 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 make the new paint hold better.
If paint starts to chip, it's time for a window repair . Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any stray drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not gouge the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.
When 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 that is ready for paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment if you're using paint that is based on lead. Tape off any surfaces close to the sanded surface like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according to instructions on the tin that you are using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint as they will differ by type. Also, make sure to paint the exterior surface with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior-grade.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked glass
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain and bugs. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if you don't have too severe of a crack or break. Repair small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.
While there are numerous methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. Even a small chip can cause a crack in the glass, which could cause more breaks and costly replacement. A great 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 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, chisel, or scraper to remove the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then finish it off with linseed or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the slowest option, but it will also give your glass a more substantial look. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount applied to the glass, which ensures a strong seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are important for insulating your home and ensuring that heat stays inside during the winter and out in summer. If you take the glass off these gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as for repairing cracks on other kinds of glass.