Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A broken window can allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
There are many ways to fix a cracked glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows replacing them is typically required. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without destroying the strength of your existing frames.
Wood rot is a different issue that can affect both the interior and the exterior of your window. If your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting 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 window frame that support the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This can cost more than a new set windows.
Another issue that often requires replacement is a faulty seal between double-paned windows. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be an indication that your window's insulation has failed. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older multi-paned windows.
Loose, cracked, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other problems. It's not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. You might be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If your exterior casing is damaged, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to stop moisture from damaging the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a beautiful and practical upgrade to your home.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and are prone to suffering from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for peeling paint around windows, particularly 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. Moisture may come from condensation inside, or snow and rain outside. It's important to scrape and sand the surface as soon as you see the paint begin to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and help the new paint hold better.
If paint starts to crack, it's time to consider repairing your window. Before you apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. Utilizing a utility knife carefully remove any loose paint. 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 and dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that window repair near me are near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then paint and prime according to the directions on the specific paint tin you're using. Make sure you follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can, as these will vary according to the type of paint. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior grade.
Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A broken window leaves your home open to wind, rain and bugs. If the crack or tear isn't severe enough, you can repair it yourself. It is important to address small cracks right away before they get worse due to temperature changes or time.
There are a myriad of methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible but this is an extremely high order for a DIY project. Even a tiny chip could create a weak spot in the glass, which can result in more breakage and a costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This will cover the crack from the outside, preventing air or moisture from getting through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic wear gloves and safety eyewear and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that hold the pane into place. Make use of the knife to remove any bare wood, then seal it with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into its original position with epoxy. This is the most time-intensive option, but it will also give your glass a more substantial look. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener in a similar way. This lets you precisely control the amount applied to the glass, which will ensure a solid seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are important for insulating your home and keeping heat in the winter months and out in summer. If you take the glass off these gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.