Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble thrown from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window allows wind, rain insects, and other unwelcome elements to enter your house.
While it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from getting worse.
Water Damage
Water seeping through the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture could damage the wood of the window frame and cause the frame to rot. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows, without compromising the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot can affect both the outside and inside of your windows. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. However, if the rot has reached the mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes) They may have to be rebuilt. This can cost more than a new set of windows.
Another issue that often requires replacement is a faulty seal between double-paned windows. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be an indication that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation built into them. They won't face the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.
A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other problems. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it you might be able to sand and paint it to enhance its appearance.
If your exterior casing is in poor condition It is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to stop water from destroying the window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be 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 suffer from sunlight and rain. Moisture is the primary reason for paint peeling around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in 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 artists apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil the bare wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.
When paint begins to crack, it's time to repair your window. To capture any paint that has strayed on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area before applying a new coat. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut through the sheathing underneath. Clean window repairs and allow it to dry completely.
After the area has dried, sand again with a fine sanding pad. 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. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according to instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint as they differ depending on the type of paint. Make sure you 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 cheaper alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it might be worth upgrading them to more modern windows that are more energy efficient.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window leaves your home open to wind rain, insects and wind. If the break or crack isn't too serious, you can repair it yourself. You should address small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.
There are a myriad of methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. A tiny crack could cause a weakness in the window, which can result in further cracks and a costly replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. It covers it from the outside and stops air or moisture from getting through, which can harm the frame or seals around the windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll require a utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that pin the pane into place. You should also employ the knife to cut out any wood that's unfinished, then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into the position with epoxy. This option is the most time consuming but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that distributes resin and hardener in a similar way. This allows you to determine exactly how much applied to the glass, which will ensure a solid seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential to insulate your home and ensuring that heat is kept in the winter months and out in summer. If you take the window off, the gases will escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.