Why Window Repair Is Necessary
A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are some of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A broken window can let rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.
While it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible but there are ways to repair it and stop it from spreading further.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. The moisture can cause damage to the wood inside the window frame and cause rot. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot is a different issue that can affect both the interior and the exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have rotting spots it is possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. 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 the windows. This can be more expensive than purchasing a new set.
Another issue that often requires replacement is a damaged seal between double-paned windows. It could be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation in them. This means they don't face the same issues as older multi-paned windows.
A cracked, loose or rotting casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other issues. A damaged casing doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, though. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood around it, you may be able to sand or repaint it to enhance its appearance.
If the exterior casing isn't in great condition and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint could be all you need to stop moisture from destroying your window. You can also install new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements, and they can take a lot damage from precipitation and sunlight. 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 in the film of paint causes it to lose adhesion and peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. It is important to sand and scrape the surface when you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil upvc window repairs to the bare wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.
When paint starts to peel off, it's time to repair your window. To catch any paint that might stray on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area before applying a new coat. Using a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut into the sheathing underneath. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.
Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that's ready for painting. If you're working with lead-based paints make sure you use the proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any other surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.
You can then prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin you are using. Be sure to follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint can as they differ depending on the type. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior-grade.
Window replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair however, it could be worth upgrading them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A damaged window leaves your home open to wind, rain and bugs. If the crack or break isn't too serious you can repair it yourself. It is best to fix small cracks as soon they occur, before they get worse with time or temperature changes.
While there are numerous methods that claim to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which can result in more breakage and a costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This will cover the crack from the outside, which stops moisture or air from leaking through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Before putting on the plastic wear protective eyewear and gloves, and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel or chisel to remove the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Utilize the knife to cut away any wood that is bare, and then seal it with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in the position with epoxy. This is the most time-intensive method, but it can also give your glass a more robust look. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured into the window, which can help ensure a good seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows be sure that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are crucial for insulating your house and ensuring that heat is kept in during the winter and out in the summer. If you remove the glass these gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose efficiency. You can replace gas fills by using the same procedure to repair cracks on other types of glass.