Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a small pebble by a lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window allows wind, rain insects, and other unwelcome elements to enter your home.
While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, there are ways to fix it and stop it from getting worse.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. Moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot can affect the outside and inside of your windows. If your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. If the rot has gotten to the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) it could be necessary to replace the windows. This can be more expensive than buying a brand new set.
A damaged seal between double-paned windows is another common problem that requires replacement. It could be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Modern windows have insulation built in. They won't face the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.
Loose, cracked, rotting, or missing casings around your windows are not attractive and could cause other issues. A damaged casing alone doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, however. You might be able to sand it and then repaint it to make it look better, depending on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.
If the casing on the outside isn't in great condition A new coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to prevent moisture from damaging your window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements and suffer from the sun and rain. Peeling paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure under the paint film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. It is important to scrape and sand the surface when you notice the paint chipping. Some meticulous painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.
If the paint begins to chip off, it's time to repair your window. Before you apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility blade. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut into the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
Once the area has dried, sand again using a fine sanding pad. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a substrate ready to accept paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment if you're using paint based on lead. Clean the sanded area and tape off any other surfaces like baseboards to shield them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin that you are using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the paint's can as they differ according to the type of paint you're using. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade paint.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames door repair near me is a more affordable alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window leaves your home open to wind rain, insects and wind. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if it's not too big of a crack or break. Repair small cracks immediately, before they become worse due to temperature changes or time.
There are a myriad of methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. Even a small crack will cause a weakness in the window, which can eventually lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This will cover the crack from the outside, preventing moisture or air from leaking through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Before putting on the plastic, put on your protective eyewear and gloves, and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that pin the pane in position. It is also recommended to use the knife to pry out any wood that is bare and then clean and seal that area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in place using epoxy. This is the longest-lasting option, but it will also give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This allows you to determine exactly how much applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are vital to insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter, and outside in the summer. If you remove the window the gasses will escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced in the same way as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.