Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble thrown by a lawnmower or a large drink placed on the table that has a glass top. A damaged window may allow wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.
There are methods to repair broken glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company can replace your windows without destroying the structural integrity of your current frames.
Wood rot can impact the exterior and interior of your windows. If your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting it is possible if the rot isn't too advanced. If the rot has spread to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) You may have to rebuild them. This could cost more than a new set windows.
Another issue that often requires replacement is a damaged seal between double-paned windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation inside your window has gone out of date. A lot of modern windows have insulation built in. This means they don't face the same issues as older multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose or rotting casings around your windows are not attractive and could cause other issues. A damaged casing does not suggest that it's time to replace your windows, however. You may be able to sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance, depending on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to prevent water from destroying the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to give an attractive and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer a lot from sunlight and rain. Moisture is the primary reason for peeling paint around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior or rain and snow outside. Regardless of the source it is important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-resistant 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 . To capture any paint that has strayed, place a dropcloth or tarp on the surface before applying a fresh coat. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using an utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
After the area has dried, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that is ready for paint. Use the correct safety equipment when using paint based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area like 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. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the paint's can as they differ depending on the type of paint. Also, make sure to paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior-grade.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain, bugs, and other unpleasant critters. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if it's not too severe of a crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they occur, before they get worse due to time or temperature changes.
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 create a weak spot in the window, which can eventually lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. It covers the crack from the outside and stops air or moisture from leaking through, which can harm the frame or seals around the windows.
Before putting on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety eyewear and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need a scraper, utility knife, or chisel to remove any glazing points that bind the pane into position. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then seal it with Linseed or a clear sealer.
You can then make use of epoxy to stick the glass back into place. This is the slowest option, but it will also give your glass a more robust appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you control exactly how much is 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 resetting the glass. These gases are crucial for insulating your home and keeping heat in during the winter and out in summer. If you remove the glass the gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same procedure used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.