Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass could be caused by a small pebble from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A broken window allows rain, wind insects, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.
There are methods to repair damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows replacing them is typically necessary. The moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot is another problem that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with rotting areas, it may be possible to repair them if they're not terribly damaged. If the rot has reached your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to replace the windows. This can cost more than a new set of windows.
A damaged seal between the double-paned window panes is another issue that requires replacement. It could be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has been damaged. A lot of modern windows have insulation built-in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older multi-paned windows.
Loose, cracked, rotting, or missing casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other problems. window repairs 's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. 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 damaged, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop water from destroying the window. Installing new exterior casing can be an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Frames and window sills are typically close to the elements, which means they take a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. The peeling of paint around windows is caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood and when 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. Whatever the cause, it's important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.
If paint starts to chip, it's time to consider repairing 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 blade. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut through the sheathing underneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
When the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that's ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paint make sure you use the proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded area and tape off any other surfaces, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint as directed on the specific paint tin you're using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the can of paint because they'll differ depending on the type. Also, make sure to paint the exterior 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 could be worth upgrading them to more modern, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to winds and rain, as well as bugs. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if you don't have too large crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they occur, before they get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.
There are many ways to make damaged glasses virtually invisible. But, this is not a project that can be done by an amateur. Even a tiny chip could create a weak spot in the glass, which could result in more breakage and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, preventing air or moisture from passing through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.
Put on your protective glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass off the frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to take off the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. You should also use the knife to pry out any wood that's bare and then clean and seal the area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into the position by using epoxy. This option is the most time consuming, but will give your glass a more substantial appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener equally. This lets you precisely control how much epoxy is applied to the window, which can help ensure a solid seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are intact. These gases are important for insulating your home and ensuring that heat stays inside the winter months and out in summer. If you take the window off, the gases escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method that is used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.