Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble thrown by a lawnmower or a large drink placed on the table that has a glass top. A damaged window could let rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to enter your home.
Although it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible but there are ways to repair it and stop it from getting worse.
Water Damage
If water is leaking through your windows, a replacement is usually required. Moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames with no damage to them.
Wood rot is another issue that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they're not terribly damaged. However, if the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This can cost more than a new set of windows.
Another issue that often requires replacement is a faulty seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris between the double-paned windows or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation built-in. This means they don't face the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose or rotting casings around your windows are unattractive and can lead to other issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the surrounding wood you might be able to sand or repaint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to keep moisture from causing damage to the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Window frames and sills are typically close to the elements, which means they take a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Peeling paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, and is particularly so if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. Moisture may come from condensation in the interior, or rain and snow outside. No matter the source it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preserver to the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiled oil before painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into the wood, which will help the new paint to stay better.
If the paint begins to chip off the window, it's time for repairing 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. With a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be Ascot window repair not to slash the wood below or cut the underlying sheathing. Let the area dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
After the area has dried, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that's ready for painting. Use the proper safety equipment when using paint based on lead. Clean the sanded area and tape off any adjacent surfaces, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according the instructions on the tin that you are using. Be sure to follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can as they will differ depending on the type. Make sure you paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.
Window replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are beyond repair, however, it might be worth upgrading them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwanted critters. If the crack or tear isn't too serious you can fix it yourself. It is best to fix small cracks as soon they occur, before they get worse due to time or temperature fluctuations.
While there are numerous methods to make broken glass invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. Even a tiny chip can cause a crack in the glass, which could result in more breakage and a costly replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This will cover the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from getting through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that bind the pane into place. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then apply Linseed or a clear sealer.
Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This is the slowest alternative, but it will also give your glass a more substantial appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener equally. This allows you to precisely control the amount applied to the glass, which ensures a strong seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be sure that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are essential for insulating your house and ensuring that heat stays inside the winter months and out during summer. If you take the glass off, those gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as for repairing cracks on other kinds of glass.