Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble thrown by a lawnmower or a large drink placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window allows rain, wind insects, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.
There are ways to repair a cracked glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. Moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy use. window repairs will replace your windows without destroying the structural integrity of your current frames.
Wood rot can impact the inside and outside of your windows. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting it is possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. However when 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 be more expensive than buying a new set.
Another issue that often requires replacement is a failed seal between double-paned windows. 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 is failing. Modern windows have insulation built-in. This means they can't experience the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Unattractive casings, such as those that are loose, cracked or rotten, as well as missing, can create various issues. A damaged casing does not necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, however. You might be able to sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance, depending on the condition and surrounding wood.
If your exterior casing is in poor condition it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to keep water from destroying the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a beautiful and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Frames and window sills are typically close to the elements, which means they can take a lot damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the main reason for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood and when it evaporates the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation inside, or rain and snow outside. It is essential to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint begin to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative to the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into the wood, which will help the new paint to stick better.
When paint starts to peel off, it's time to repair your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any stray drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility knife. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.
After the area is dry, sand the area again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that is ready for paint. Use the proper safety equipment if you're using paint based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
Then paint, prime and then paint according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Be sure to follow the temperature and curing guidelines for the paint as they will differ according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade paint.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are unable to 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 unpleasant critters. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if there isn't too severe of crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon as they occur, before they get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.
While there are numerous methods to make damaged glass invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. A tiny crack could create a weak point in the glass, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a larger replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with plastic. It covers it from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which can harm the frame or seals around windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel, or scraper to remove the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. You should also employ the knife to cut out any wood that's unfinished, then clean and seal that area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can make use of epoxy to stick the glass back to its original position. This option is the most time-consuming however it will give your glass a more solid appearance. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy that is applied to the window, which can help ensure a solid seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential to keep the heat inside your home during the winter, and outside during summer. If you take the glass off, those gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method that is used to repair cracks in other types of glass.