The 10 Scariest Things About Window Repair
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass could be caused by a small pebble by the lawnmowers or a large beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A broken window can let rain, wind, bugs and other undesirable elements to infiltrate your home.
Although it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible but there are ways to repair it and prevent it from getting worse.
Water Damage
Water that is leaking out of your window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without causing damage to them.
Wood rot is another issue that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If you have wooden windows with rotting areas, it may be possible to repair them, if they're not terribly damaged. If the rot has gotten to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) it could be necessary to replace the windows. This could be more expensive than buying a new set.
Another common issue that requires replacement is a damaged seal between your double-paned windows. This could be due to condensation or debris between the double-paned windows or a sign that the insulation of your window has gone out of date. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have the insulation built-in. This means that they won't have the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casings around your windows are unattractive and can lead to other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it, you may be able to sand and paint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to prevent moisture from causing damage to the window. Installing new exterior casing can be a beautiful and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer from rain and sunlight. 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 beneath the film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the outside. No matter the source it is important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative on the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into wood, which will help the new paint to hold better.
If the paint begins to peel off, it's time to repair your window. To catch any paint that may stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp over the area before applying a fresh coat. Utilizing a utility knife carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
Once the area is dry, sand it again using a fine sanding pad. 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 area and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to shield 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 for the paint as they differ depending on the type. 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 more affordable alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window can leave your home open to wind and rain, as well as bugs. If the crack or tear isn't too serious you can repair it yourself. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't get worse due to time or temperature changes.
There are a myriad of methods to make broken glass invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a small crack will create a weak point in the glass, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a more expensive replacement. Covering window repair with plastic is a viable solution. This protects it from the outside and blocks air or moisture from leaking through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety glasses and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need to use an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any old glazing points that hold the glass in place. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is empty and then clean and seal that area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into the position by using epoxy. This is the slowest option, but it will also give your glass a more robust appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you precisely control how much epoxy is poured onto the window, which can help to ensure a strong seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential for insulating your house and ensuring that heat is kept in the winter months and out during summer. If you remove the window, the gases escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills by using the same procedure for repairing cracks on other kinds of glass.