The No. 1 Question That Anyone Working In Window Repair Should Be Able Answer
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown by a lawnmower or a large beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A broken window lets rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your home.
There are ways to repair damaged glass and prevent 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 wood of the frame of your window. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot can affect the exterior and interior of your windows. If you have windows made of wood with spots of rot, it might be possible to fix them if they are not terribly damaged. If the rot has spread to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to rebuild them. This can cost more than a new set of windows.
A damaged seal between the double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This can be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes or it could indicate that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Many modern windows come with insulation built in. They won't have the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.
Casings that are ugly, such as those that are cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, can create other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the surrounding wood you may be able to sand and repaint it to improve its appearance.
If the casing on the outside isn't in good condition A new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint could be the best solution to keep moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that is peeling or chipped
Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and suffer a lot from sunlight and rain. Moisture is the primary reason for paint peeling around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure under the film of paint causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior or rain and snow outside. Regardless of the source it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative to the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This can help to reduce moisture penetration into the wood, allowing the new paint to hold better.
When paint starts to chip off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. To capture any paint that may stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the surface before applying a new coat. Remove any loose paint with a utility blade. Be careful not gouge the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Once the area is dry then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. 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 when using lead-based paint. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any adjacent surfaces, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according the instructions on the tin that you are using. Make sure you follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can, as these will vary depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade.
Window replacement can be costly, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked glass
A broken window could leave your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind, bugs, and other unpleasant creatures. You may be tempted to replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if there isn't too severe of a crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they occur, before they become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.
While there are numerous methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. A tiny crack could create a weak spot in the window, which could result in further cracks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. window repairs covers the crack from the outside and blocks air or moisture from leaking through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass off the frame. Utilize a utility knife scraper, chisel or chisel to take off the old glazing points that secure the pane. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then seal it with linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into its original position using epoxy. This is the longest-running, but will give your glass a more robust appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential for insulating your home and ensuring that heat is kept in during winter and out in summer. If you take the window off the gasses will escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.