Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown from the lawnmower or a large drink placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window could let rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.
There are many ways to fix damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically necessary. Moisture can cause rot to the wooden frame of your window. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot can impact the inside and outside of your windows. If your wood windows have rotting spots, a repair may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. However, if the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes), they may need to be rebuilt. This may cost more than a new set of windows.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a failed seal between your double-paned windows. Sittingbourne double glazing repairs could be due to condensation or debris between your double-paned windows, or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window is failing. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it, you may be able to sand or paint it to enhance its appearance.
If the exterior casing of your home is damaged, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to keep water from destroying the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window frames and sills are typically close to the elements, which means they take a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure under the film of paint causes it to loose adhesion and peel. Moisture can come from condensation in the interior or rain and snow on the outside. It is important to sand and scrape the surface when you notice the paint begin to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preserver to the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into wood, which will help the new paint to stick better.
If the paint begins to chip off the window, it's time for repairing your window. To remove any paint that may stray, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a new coat. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility blade. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
When the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a surface ready to accept paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when you're using paint based on lead. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any adjacent surfaces, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.
Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint because they'll differ depending on the type of paint. Also, make sure to paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior-grade.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are beyond repair, however, it might be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer, more energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A broken window can leave your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind, bugs, and other unpleasant creatures. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if you don't have too large crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they occur, before they get worse due to time or temperature fluctuations.
While there are many methods to make broken glass invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. A small crack can cause a weakness in the window, which can eventually lead to further breaks and a more expensive replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This covers the crack from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.
Before you put on the plastic and putting on your protective eyewear and gloves, and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. You'll require an utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that pin the glass in place. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then apply the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the slowest method, but it can also give your glass a more solid appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured onto the window, which helps to ensure a strong seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are important for insulating your home and keeping heat in during winter and out in the summer. If you remove the window, the gases will escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method that is used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.