Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble that was thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window allows rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your home.
Although it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from spreading further.
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 reduce the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot is another issue that can affect both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have wood windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they are not too much damaged. However in the event that the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This could be more expensive than buying a new set.
A deteriorated seal between double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be an indication that your window's insulation has failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation built-in. This means they can't experience the same issues as older multi-paned windows.
Unattractive casings, such as those that are cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, can create various issues. A damaged casing doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, but. You may be able to sand it and repaint the casing to enhance its appearance, depending on the condition and surrounding wood.
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 prevent moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint chipped or peeling
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements, so they are subject to a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Peeling paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. No matter the source, it's important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative on the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, allowing the new paint to stick better.
If paint begins to peel off, it's time to repair your window. To catch any paint that has strayed on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area before applying a fresh coat. Remove any loose paint with a utility blade. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut through the sheathing beneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Once the area is dry, sand the area again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base ready for paint. If window repair Caterham working with lead-based paint make sure you use the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then paint, prime and then paint according to the instructions on the specific paint tin you're using. Make sure to adhere to the temperature and curing guidelines for the paint as they will differ by type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.
Window replacement can be costly, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it might be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.
Glass that has cracked
A broken window leaves your home open to wind and rain, as well as bugs. If the crack or break is not too severe you can repair it yourself. You should address small cracks immediately, before they become worse due to temperature changes or time.
There are a variety of ways to make broken glasses almost invisible. But this isn't a project that can be completed by a DIYer. Even a tiny chip could cause a crack in the glass, which could cause more breaks and an expensive replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This covers the crack from the outside and blocks moisture or air from seeping through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety glasses and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need a scraper, utility knife, or chisel to remove any glazing points that pin the glass in place. It is also recommended to make use of the knife to pull away any wood that is unfinished and then clean and seal the area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.
You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This option is the most time consuming but it will give your glass a more solid appearance. 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 will ensure a solid seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are essential for insulating your house and ensuring that heat stays inside during winter and out during summer. If you remove the window, the gases escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method that is used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.