Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink placed on your table with a glass top. A broken window lets rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your house.
While it is not possible to make a damaged window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from getting worse.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture could damage the wood of the window frame and cause the frame to rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows without destroying the strength of your existing frames.
Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If you have wood windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they're not too much damaged. If the rot has gotten to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) You may have to replace them. This could 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 indicate that the insulation in your window has failed. Many modern windows come with insulation built in. window repairs near me won't face the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.
The ugly casings, like ones that are cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, can create various issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You may be able sand it and repaint it to make it look better based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If the casing on the outside isn't in good condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint might be the best solution to prevent moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window sills and frames are typically close to the elements, so they take a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for peeling paint around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation on the interior, or from rain and snow on the outside. It is important to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint begin to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiled oil before painting. This will help slow moisture penetration into the wood, which helps the new paint to hold better.
If the paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. With a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to cut the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
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 base ready for paint. Use the correct safety equipment if you're using paint that is based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the paint's can, as they will vary depending on the type. Also, make sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior-grade.
Window replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it may 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. If the break or crack isn't severe enough you can repair it yourself. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't get worse with time or temperature changes.
While there are many methods that claim to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a small chip can cause a crack in the glass, which can lead to more breaks and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This protects the crack from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which can harm the frame or seals around the windows.
Before putting on the plastic wear gloves and safety eyewear and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need to use a utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that pin the glass in place. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then finish it off with Linseed or a clear sealer.
Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the most time-intensive alternative, but it will also give your glass a more substantial look. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured into the window, which will help to ensure a strong seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are important for insulating your house and ensuring that heat is kept in the winter months and out in summer. If you take the glass off the gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as for repairing cracks on other kinds of glass.