Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped coffee table are one of the many things that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window may allow wind, rain bugs and other harmful elements to enter your home.
While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from becoming worse.
Water Damage
The sight of water leaking through your window frame is a sign that you should replace it. Moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames with no damage to them.
Wood rot is another problem that affects both the inside and exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting it is possible if the rot isn't too advanced. However in the event that the rot has spread to the mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This may cost more than a new set windows.
A failed seal between the double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be caused by condensation or debris that has formed between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation in your window has failed. Modern windows have insulation built-in. This means they can't experience the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
Loose, cracked, rotting, or missing casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. A damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, however. You might be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance based on 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 stop water from destroying the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
Window sills and frames are typically close to the elements, and they can take a lot damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the main reason for peeling paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure under the paint film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. Moisture may come from 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 the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative on the bare wood and thinned boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow moisture penetration into the wood, which helps the new paint to hold better.
When paint begins to chip, it's time for a window repair . Before you apply a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility blade. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut into the underlying sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
When the area is dry and dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paints make sure you 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 paint, prime and then paint 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. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.
Window replacement can be costly However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window can make your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind bugs, and other unwanted critters. If the break or crack isn't too serious, you can repair it yourself. It is important to address small cracks right away, before they become worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.
There are a myriad of methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible, this is a tall task for a DIY. Even a small crack will create a weak point in the window, which could result in further cracks and a more expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, preventing moisture or air from leaking through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety glasses and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need a utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that hold the pane in position. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then finish it off with Linseed or a clear sealer.
You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This option is the most time-consuming, but will give your glass a more substantial appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener equally. This lets you precisely control the amount applied to the glass which will ensure a solid seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are vital to insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter months, and outside during summer. If you take the glass off the gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced using the same method as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.