Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are just one of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A damaged window replacement near me could let rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to enter your home.
While it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible but there are ways to repair it and prevent it from becoming worse.
Water Damage
Water that is leaking out of the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It can also compromise the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot can affect both the outside and inside of your windows. If you have wooden windows with rotting areas, it may be possible to fix them if they are not too far gone. 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 replace them. This could cost more than a new set of windows.
Another issue that is often required for window replacement replacement is a damaged seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be caused by the condensation or the accumulation of debris between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation in your window is failing. Modern windows have insulation built in. This means that they won’t have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Unattractive casings, such as ones that are cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, can cause other issues. It’s 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 it and paint it to enhance its appearance.
If the exterior casing isn’t in good shape and you’re looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be all you need to stop moisture from destroying your window. You can also install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Frames and window sills are usually close to the elements, which means they are subject to a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for paint peeling around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. The moisture can be caused by condensation inside, or snow and rain outside. Whatever the cause it’s essential to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preserver to the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, allowing the new paint to stay better.
If the paint begins to peel off, it’s time to repair your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you’re working to catch any scattered drops of paint. With a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
After the area has dried, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a substrate ready to accept paint. If you’re working with lead-based paints, be sure to use proper safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any adjacent surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.
Then paint, prime and then paint according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint that you’re using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines for the paint as they will differ according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames can’t be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain bugs, and other unpleasant creatures. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if there isn’t too severe of crack or break. Repair small cracks as soon as you notice them before they get worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.
There are many ways to make damaged glasses virtually invisible. However, this is not a project that can be completed by DIYers. A small crack can cause a weakness in the window, which can eventually lead to more breaks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, which stops moisture or air from leaking through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass out of the frame. You’ll need a utility knife, window replacement scraper or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that hold the pane into place. You should also use the knife to pry out any wood that is bare, then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into place using epoxy. This is the slowest option, but it will also give your glass a more substantial appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener equally. This allows you to 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 resetting the glass. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside during summer. If you remove the glass these gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills using the same method as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.