Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped table are one of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A window that is damaged allows wind, rain insects, and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
There are methods to repair broken glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows replacing them is typically required. The moisture can cause damage to the wood of the frame of your window and cause rot. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without damaging the strength of your existing frames.
Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have rotting spots it is 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 rebuilt. This could cost more than a new set windows.
A damaged seal between double-paned windows is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation of your window is failing. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation in them. They won't be afflicted with the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.
Loose, cracked, rotting, or missing casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other issues. A damaged casing does not suggest that it's time to replace your windows, however. You may be able to sand it and repaint the casing to make it look better in accordance with the condition and surrounding wood.
If the exterior casing isn't in good shape and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to keep moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and are prone to suffering from the sun and rain. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood, and once 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 exterior. It's important to scrape and sand the surface as soon as you see the paint start to chip. Some meticulous painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and make the new paint hold better.
When paint begins to chip, it's time for a window repair . To capture any paint that may stray, place a dropcloth or tarp over the area before applying a fresh coat. Remove any loose paint with a utility knife. Be careful not gouge the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
After the area has dried then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base ready to accept paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when you're using paint based on lead. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any adjacent surfaces like baseboards to shield them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to instructions on the tin that you are using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the can of paint because they'll differ depending on the type. Make sure you paint the exterior of the surface with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior grade.
Window replacement can be costly However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain, bugs, and other unpleasant critters. If the crack or tear isn't too serious you can repair it yourself. You should address small cracks as soon as you notice them prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or time.
There are a variety of ways to make broken glasses virtually invisible. However, this is not an easy task that can be completed by an amateur. Even a tiny chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which could result in more breakage and a costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, which stops moisture or air from leaking through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Wear 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 glazing points that bind the pane in position. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is empty and then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
You can then make use of epoxy to stick the glass back in place. This is the longest-lasting method, but it can also give your glass a more solid look. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured onto the window, which will help to ensure a strong seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are intact when resetting the glass. These gases are essential for insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter, and outside in the summer. If you remove the window the gasses escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method used to repair cracks in other types of glass.