A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are among the many factors that can cause cracks in glass windows. A damaged window could let rain, wind, bugs and other undesirable elements to get into your home.
Although it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible but there are ways to repair it and prevent it from getting worse.
Water Damage
Water that is leaking out of the window frame is a sign that you should replace it. Moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames with no damage to them.
Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have wooden windows with rotting areas, it may be possible to repair them if they are not terribly damaged. If the rot has gotten to the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) it could be necessary to rebuild the windows. This can be more expensive than buying a new set.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a damaged seal between your double-paned windows. This could be caused by the condensation or the accumulation of debris between the double-paned windows or it could be a sign that the insulation inside your window has failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation built into them. This means they don't face the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
Unattractive casings, such as ones that are cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, could cause other problems. A damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, though. Depending on window repairs of your casing as well as the wood around it you might be able to sand and repaint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing isn't in good shape, a new layer of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint chipped or peeling
Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements and suffer from the sun and rain. Moisture is the primary reason for the peeling of paint around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation on the interior, or from rain and snow on the exterior. Regardless of 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 add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.
When paint begins to crack, it's time to consider repairing your window. Before you apply a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility blade. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut into the sheathing underneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
After the area has dried then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a substrate that is ready to receive paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when 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, prime and paint according to instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint because they'll differ depending on the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it might be worth upgrading them to more modern windows that are more energy efficient.
Cracked glass
A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to wind, rain and bugs. If the crack or break is not too severe, you can repair it yourself. You should address small cracks as soon as you notice them before they get more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.
There are a myriad of methods to make broken glass invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. Even a tiny chip could create a weak spot in the glass, which can result in more breakage and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This protects it from the outside and stops moisture or air from seeping through, which can harm the frame or seals around the windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to remove the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. Also, you should use the knife to pry away any wood that is empty and then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be put back in the position by using epoxy. This is the longest-lasting method, but it can also give your glass a more solid look. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener equally. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass which ensures a strong seal.
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are crucial to keep heat inside your home in the winter, and outside during summer. If you remove the window, the gases will escape and cause the glass to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills using the same method as to repair cracks on other types of glass.
