Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are among the many factors that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A damaged window could allow wind, rain bugs and other harmful elements to enter your home.
There are ways to repair damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.
Water Damage
Water that is leaking out of your window frame is a sign that you should replace it. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of the frame of your window. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows, without compromising the structural integrity of your current frames.
Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have wooden windows with decaying areas, it might be possible to repair them if they're not terribly damaged. 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 may need to be replaced. This could cost more than a new set windows.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a damaged seal between double-paned windows. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has been damaged. A lot of modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't be afflicted with the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.
Loose, cracked or rotting casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other issues. A damaged casing alone doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, though. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it you may be able to sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance.
If the casing on the outside isn't in good condition A new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint could be all you need to keep moisture from damaging your window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a stylish and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer from the sun and rain. Moisture is the main reason for the peeling of paint around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood, and once it evaporates the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. Regardless of the source it's essential to clean and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow moisture penetration into the wood, which will help the new paint to stick better.
When paint begins to chip, it's the time to consider repairing your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. With a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to slash the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
After the area is dry, sand the area again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a base ready for paint. Use the proper safety equipment if you're using paint that is based on lead. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.
You can 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 differ depending on the type. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior grade.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
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's best to address small cracks as soon they occur, before they get worse with time or temperature changes.
There are a myriad of methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a small crack will create a weak spot in the window, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This covers the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from getting through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll require an utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that pin the pane into position. Utilize window repair to cut away any bare wood, then finish it off with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This method is the longest-running, but will give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass which ensures a strong seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, make certain that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are crucial to insulate your home and keeping heat in during winter and out in the summer. If you take the window off the gasses will escape and cause the glass to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills using the same method as for repairing cracks on other kinds of glass.