A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are some of the many things that can cause cracks in glass windows. A damaged window could let rain, wind, bugs and other undesirable elements to enter your home.
Although it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, there are ways to fix it and stop it from getting worse.
Water Damage
Water that is leaking out of your window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can damage the wood of the frame of your window and cause the frame to rot. It can also compromise the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window company will replace your windows, without compromising the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot can impact the inside and outside of your windows. If your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting repairs may be possible if the rot isn't too 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 them. This may cost more than a new set of windows.
Another common issue that requires replacement is a failed seal between double-paned windows. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has failed. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have insulation in them. This means they don't face the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.
Unattractive casings, such as those that are cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, can create other problems. A damaged casing alone doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, however. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood surrounding it you may be able to sand or repaint it to improve its appearance.
If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to prevent moisture from causing damage to the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window sills and frames are often close to the elements and are prone to suffering from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main reason for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood, and once it evaporates the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation inside, or from snow and rain outside. It is important to scrape and sand the surface as soon as you see the paint start to chip. window repair apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood prior to painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and allow the paint to hold better.
If the paint begins to chip off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. To catch any paint that may stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the surface before applying a fresh coat. Remove any loose paint with a utility knife. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut the sheathing underneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Once the surface has dried, sand again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a substrate ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints make sure you use the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific paint tin you're using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the paint's can, as they will vary depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade paint.
Window replacement can be costly, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames can't be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwelcome creatures. If the break or crack is not too severe you can fix it yourself. It is important to address small cracks immediately, before they become worse due to temperature changes or time.
There are a myriad of methods to make broken glass invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. A small crack can create a weak spot in the glass, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a larger replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This protects it from the outside and prevents moisture or air from seeping through, which could damage the frame or seals around the windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves before removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll need a scraper, utility knife or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that bind the pane in place. Use the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then apply Linseed or a clear sealer.
You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the most time-intensive alternative, but it will also give your glass a more solid appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener equally. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured onto the window, which helps ensure a good seal.
If you have double or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills are intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are important to insulate your home and ensuring that heat is kept in during the winter and out during summer. If you remove the window, the gases will escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as to repair cracks in other types of glass.
