Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble that was thrown from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window may allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to infiltrate your home.
Although it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and stop it from becoming worse.
Water Damage
Water that is leaking out of the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture could damage the wood of your window frame and cause the frame to rot. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company can replace your windows without damaging the structural integrity of your current frames.
Wood rot can affect both the inside and outside of your windows. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting it is possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has spread to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) You may have to rebuild the windows. This could cost more than a new set of windows.
A failed seal between the double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has been damaged. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't face the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.
Cracked, loose or rotting casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. You may be able to sand it and then repaint it to improve its appearance based on the condition and surrounding wood.
If window repairs of your home is in poor condition, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to prevent water from destroying the window. You can also install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and are prone to suffering from the sun and rain. Moisture is the primary reason for paint peeling around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or from snow and rain outside. No matter the source, it's important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative to the bare wood and thinned boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into wood, which helps the new paint to hold better.
When paint begins to chip, it's time for a window repair. To capture any paint that may stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the surface before applying a new coat. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
After the area has dried, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that's ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paints ensure you're using proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any adjacent surfaces, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according the instructions on the tin you are using. Be sure to follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint can as they will differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.
Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a cheaper 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 leaves 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 crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon as they happen, before they become worse as time passes or temperature changes.
There are many ways to make cracked glasses virtually invisible. But this isn't something that is achievable by an amateur. Even a tiny chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which could cause more breaks and costly replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This protects it from the outside and blocks moisture or air from seeping through, which could damage the frame or seals around the windows.
Before putting on the plastic, put on your 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 hold the glass in the frame. Use the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then apply linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into the position by using epoxy. This option is the most time-consuming but it will give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you precisely control how much epoxy is poured into the window, which can help ensure a good seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are essential to keep heat inside your home in the winter, and outside in the summer. If you take the glass off, those gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.