Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble that was thrown from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window allows rain, wind insects, and other undesirable elements to enter your home.
There are many ways to fix broken glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
The sight of water leaking through the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. Moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot is another problem that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. However in the event that the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This can cost more than a new set of windows.
A deteriorated seal between double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be due to the condensation or the accumulation of debris between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation in your window is failing. 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.
The ugly casings, like those that are damaged, cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, could cause various issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. You may be able to sand it and repaint the casing to enhance its appearance in accordance with the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If the casing on the outside isn't in great condition and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint could be all you need to stop moisture from destroying your window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to give an attractive and practical improvement to your home.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
Window sills and frames are typically close to the elements, and they take a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Peeling paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior, or from snow and rain outside. Whatever the cause it's essential to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood before painting to prevent moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.
When paint starts to chip off, it's time to repair your window. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to cut 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 using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to instructions on the tin you are using. Make sure to adhere to the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint as they differ by type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade paint.
Window replacements can be expensive, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked glass
A broken window can leave your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind, bugs, and other unwelcome critters. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if you don't have too severe of a crack or break. It is important to address small cracks immediately before they get worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.
There are a myriad of methods that claim to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. Even a small chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which can result in more breakage and repairmywindowsanddoors a costly replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This protects the crack from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.
Put on your protective glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass off the frame. You'll need to use a utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any old glazing points that pin the pane into the frame. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then seal it with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This method is the most time consuming, but will give your glass a more solid appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as 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 certain that the gas fills are intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are crucial for insulating your house and keeping heat in during winter and out in the summer. If you take the window off, the gases will escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method that is used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.