Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a small pebble from the lawnmower or a large drink placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window could let rain, wind, bugs and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
There are many ways to fix broken glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
Water that is leaking out of the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. Moisture can cause rot to the wooden frame of your window. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows, without compromising the structural integrity of your current frames.
Wood rot can impact the exterior and interior of your windows. If window repairs are made of wood and have rotting spots repairs may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. However, if 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 be more expensive than buying a new set.
A failed seal between the double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. It could be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could indicate that your window's insulation has been damaged. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't have the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.
Cracked, loose or rotting casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other problems. It's not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood around it you may be able to sand or repaint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to stop water from destroying the window. Installing new exterior casing can be an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Frames and window sills are usually close to the elements, so they are subject to a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Moisture is the main reason for paint peeling around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure under the film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. Moisture may come from condensation inside, or snow and rain outside. Whatever the cause it's essential to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint the area as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and help the new paint hold better.
If paint begins to chip off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Clean any paint that is loose with an 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 make the surface ready for primer and create a base that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paint make sure you use the appropriate safety equipment. Clean the sanded area and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it like baseboards to shield them from paint.
Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific paint tin you're using. Be sure to follow the curing and temperature guidelines for the paint as they will differ according to the type of paint. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior grade.
Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames can't be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked glass
A broken window can leave your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind, bugs, and other unpleasant creatures. If the break or crack isn't severe enough you can fix it yourself. It is important to address small cracks as soon as you notice them before they get more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.
There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses almost invisible. But this isn't an easy task that can be done by an amateur. Even a tiny chip could create a weak spot in the glass, which could lead to more breaks and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. It covers the crack from the outside and prevents moisture or air from seeping through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.
Before putting on the plastic wear gloves and safety eyewear and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll require an utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any glazing points that bind the pane into position. It is also recommended to employ the knife to cut out any wood that is bare and then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in place by using epoxy. This is the slowest alternative, but it will also give your glass a more robust appearance. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener equally. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are important for insulating your house and ensuring that heat is kept in the winter months and out in the summer. If you take the window off the gasses will escape and cause the glass to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same procedure used to repair cracks in other types of glass.