9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Window Repair
Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a small pebble by a lawnmower or a large beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A broken window can allow wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome elements to enter your home.
While it is not possible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from getting worse.
Water Damage
The sight of water leaking through your window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture can cause damage to the wood in the window frame and cause the frame to rot. It can also compromise the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows, without compromising the strength of your existing frames.
Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If your wood windows have rotting spots repairs may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. If the rot has spread to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) it could be necessary to rebuild them. This can be more expensive than buying a new set.
A damaged seal between double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. It could be a result of debris or Window Repair condensation between the two panes or it could be an indication that your window's insulation has failed. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have the insulation built into them. This means they don't face the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casings around your windows are ugly and could lead to other issues. A damaged casing alone doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, though. You may be able sand it and then repaint it to improve its appearance based on the condition and surrounding wood.
If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to keep moisture from causing damage to the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a stylish and practical improvement to your home.
Paint chipped or peeling
Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements and are prone to suffering from the sun and rain. Paint peeling around windows is caused by moisture, particularly if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure in the film of paint causes it to loose adhesion and peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. It is essential to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and allow the paint to hold better.
When paint begins to crack, it's time for a window repair. To capture any paint that may stray on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area before applying a new coat. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility knife. 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 then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that is ready for paint. Use the correct safety equipment if you're using lead-based paint. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any other surfaces, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.
Then paint and prime 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 depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade paint.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it could be worth upgrading them to more modern windows that are more energy efficient.
Glass that has cracked
A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwelcome creatures. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if you don't have too big of a crack or break. You should address small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they become worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.
There are a variety of ways to make broken glasses virtually invisible. But this isn't something that is achievable by a DIYer. A tiny crack could create a weak point in the glass, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This covers the crack from the outside and window repair prevents moisture or air from seeping 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 remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to cut off the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Use the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then seal it with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in its original position using epoxy. This is the slowest alternative, but it will also give your glass a more solid look. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to control exactly how much is applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.
If you have double glazing repairs or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are important to insulate your home and keeping heat in the winter months and out in summer. If you take the glass off, those gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as to repair cracks on other types of glass.