Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are just among the many factors that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window allows rain, wind insects, and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
Although it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and stop it from spreading further.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows replacing them is typically required. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot can affect the outside and inside of your windows. If your windows are made of wood and have rotting spots repairs may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. If the rot has gotten to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to replace the windows. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
Another issue that often requires replacement is a faulty seal between double-paned windows. It could be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could indicate that your window's insulation has failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation built-in. This means they don't face the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
A cracked, loose or rotting casings around your windows are ugly and could lead to other problems. A damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, though. You may be able to sand it and then repaint it to improve its appearance based on the condition and surrounding wood.
If the exterior casing isn't in great condition and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to stop moisture from destroying your window. Installing new exterior casing can be a beautiful and practical improvement to your home.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer a lot from sunlight and rain. The peeling of paint around windows is caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes it to loose adhesion and peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. It is important to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint start to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and allow the paint to hold better.
If paint starts to chip, it's time to repair your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any stray drops of paint. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using an utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
When the area is dry then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a substrate that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use the appropriate safety equipment. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any other surfaces, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.
Then paint and prime according to the directions on the specific paint tin you're using. Be sure to follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint, as these will vary by type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing them. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window can make your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind bugs, and other unpleasant critters. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if you don't have too large crack or break. Repair small cracks right away prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or time.
There are many ways to make cracked glasses almost invisible. However, this is not a project that is achievable by a DIYer. A small crack can create a weak spot in the window, which could result in further cracks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This protects it from the outside and prevents moisture or air from seeping through, which can harm the frame or seals around windows.
Wear protective glasses and gloves prior to removing the broken glass from the frame. Utilize a utility knife, scraper or chisel, to take off the old glazing points that secure the pane. It is also recommended to use the knife to pry out any wood that is bare, then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.
You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the slowest alternative, but it will also give your glass a more solid 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 will ensure a solid seal.
When resetting window repair - or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are intact. These gases are crucial for insulating your house and keeping heat in during the winter and out during summer. If you remove the window the gasses escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same procedure used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.