Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink that is set on your glass-topped coffee table are some of the many things that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window allows rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to get into your home.
While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible but 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 can damage the wood inside your window frame and cause rot. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot can impact the exterior and interior of your windows. If your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting repairs 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 frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This can be more expensive than buying a brand new set.
A deteriorated seal between the double-paned window panes is another issue that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation of your window has failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation built into them. They won't face the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.
Loose, cracked, rotting, or missing casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You may be able sand it and then repaint it to improve its appearance in accordance with the condition and surrounding wood.
If the exterior casing isn't in great condition A new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint could be the best solution to keep moisture from damaging your window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements, which means they are subject to a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Paint peeling around windows is caused by moisture, particularly if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the outside. Whatever the cause it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative on the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce moisture penetration into the wood, which will help the new paint to hold better.
If paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. To catch any paint that may stray on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area before applying a new coat. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
After the area has dried, sand again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use the proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded area and tape off any other surfaces like baseboards to shield them from paint.
Then paint, prime and then paint according to the directions on the specific paint tin you're using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the can of paint because they'll differ 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 replacement can be costly However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is relatively affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are beyond repair, however, it might be worth upgrading them to more modern, more energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to winds and rain, as well as bugs. If the crack or tear isn't severe enough you can fix it yourself. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they occur, so that they don't get worse due to time or temperature changes.
There are a myriad of methods to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. A tiny crack could cause a weakness in the window, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a larger replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from passing through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic wear gloves and safety glasses and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll require a utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that bind the pane into place. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then finish it off with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in its original position by using epoxy. This option is the most time consuming, but will give your glass a more substantial appearance. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that distributes resin and hardener equally. This allows you to control exactly how much is applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be sure that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. Reading double glazing repairs are crucial to keep warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside in summer. If you remove the glass the gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced by using the same procedure to repair cracks on other types of glass.