Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A broken window can allow wind, rain bugs and other harmful elements to enter your home.
Although it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible however, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from spreading further.
Water Damage
The sight of water leaking through the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture could damage the wood inside the window frame and cause the frame to rot. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames with no damage to them.
Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If your wood windows have spots of rotting repairs may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has reached your muntins and mullions, (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.
A deteriorated seal between the double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. This can be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes or it could indicate that your window's insulation has been damaged. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. This means that they won't have the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
Unattractive casings, such as ones that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, can create other problems. A damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, however. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood surrounding it you might be able to sand and repaint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing of your home is damaged It is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to prevent moisture from damaging the window. You can also install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements, so they take a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. It is important to sand and scrape the surface when you notice the paint begin to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.
When paint begins to chip, it's the time to consider repairing your window. Before you apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with an utility knife. Be careful not gouge the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
After the area has dried and dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready for painting. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces close to the sanded surface like baseboards. This will protect 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 curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint because they'll differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing them. If your window frames can't be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain and bugs. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if there isn't too big of a crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't get worse due to time or temperature fluctuations.
While there are many methods to make damaged glass invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. Even a small crack will create a weak point in the window, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with plastic. It covers it from the outside and stops moisture or air from seeping through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass off the frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to take off the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. It is also recommended to employ the knife to cut away any wood that is bare and then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into place with epoxy. This method is the most time consuming, but will give your glass a more robust appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured onto the window, which helps to ensure a strong seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential to insulate your home and keeping heat in during the winter and out in summer. If you take the glass off, those gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. window repairs can be replaced in the same way as to repair cracks in other types of glass.