Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a small pebble from the lawnmower or a large beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A damaged window could allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to infiltrate your home.
While it is not possible to make a damaged window completely invisible, there are ways to repair it and stop it from becoming worse.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture can damage the wood in your window frame and cause the frame to rot. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.
Wood rot can impact the outside and inside of your windows. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to fix them, if they're not too much damaged. If the rot has reached the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes), you may need to rebuild the windows. This can cost more than a new set windows.
A damaged seal between the double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or a sign that the insulation in your window is failing. Modern windows have insulation built in. This means they don't face the same issues as older multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose or rotting casings around your windows are not attractive and could cause other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You may be able sand it and repaint the casing to improve its appearance, depending on the condition and surrounding wood.
If your exterior casing is in poor condition it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop moisture from damaging the window. Installing new exterior casing can be a stylish and practical upgrade to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements, and they are subject to a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main reason 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. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior, or from rain and snow on the exterior. Whatever the cause, it's important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into wood, which helps the new paint to stick better.
If paint begins to peel off, it's time to repair your window. To remove any paint that might stray, place a dropcloth or tarp on the surface before applying a fresh coat. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to slash the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
Once the area is dry, sand the area again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that's ready to accept paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment if you're using lead-based paint. Tape off any surfaces close to the sanded surface like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according the instructions on the tin you are using. Be sure to follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can as they will differ by type. Make sure you paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior-grade.
Window replacement can be costly Repairing chipped or peeling paint is inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it could be worth upgrading them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.
Cracked glass
A damaged window can make your home vulnerable to wind, rain, bugs, and other unwanted creatures. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if you don't have too severe of a crack or break. Repair small cracks immediately before they get worse due to temperature changes or time.
While there are many methods that claim to make broken glass invisible but this is an extremely high order for a DIY project. Even a small crack will cause a weakness in the window, which can eventually lead to more breaks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This covers the crack from the outside and stops air or moisture from getting through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass out of the frame. Utilize a utility knife, scraper or chisel, to remove the old glazing points that secure the pane. Use the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then finish it off with linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in place with epoxy. This is the most time-intensive method, but it can also give your glass a more robust appearance. Select the double-cylinder here epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener equally. This allows you to determine exactly how much applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are vital to insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter and outside in summer. If you remove the window the gasses will escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced by using the same procedure to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.