Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble that was thrown from the lawnmower or a large drink placed on your glass-topped table. A window that is damaged lets rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your home.
While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and stop it from spreading further.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows replacing them is typically necessary. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. It can also compromise the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.
Wood rot is another problem that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have rotting spots it is possible when the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has gotten to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes), you may need to rebuild them. This can cost more than a new set windows.
A deteriorated seal between double-paned windows is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or a sign that the insulation of your window has gone out of date. A lot of modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't have the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.
Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. A damaged casing alone doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, but. You may be able sand it and repaint the casing to enhance its appearance based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.
If your exterior casing is in poor condition it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to stop water from destroying the window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Paint chipped or peeling
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer a lot from sunlight and rain. Paint peeling around windows is primarily caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. It's important to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint begin to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.
If paint begins to chip off, it's time to repair your window. To remove any paint that has strayed on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area before applying a fresh coat. Utilizing a utility knife carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut into the sheathing beneath. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.
Once window repair is dry, sand the area again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface ready for paint. Use the correct safety equipment if you're using lead-based paint. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any adjacent surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according to the directions on the specific paint tin you're using. Make sure to adhere to the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint as they differ by type. Finally, be 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 more affordable alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked glass
A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome creatures. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if it's not too severe of crack or break. Repair small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.
There are many ways to make broken glasses appear as if they are not there. But this isn't something that can be completed by an amateur. A small crack can create a weak point in the window, which can eventually lead to further breaks and a more expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This protects the crack from the outside and prevents moisture or air from seeping through, which can harm the frame or seals around the windows.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass out of the frame. Utilize a utility knife scraper, chisel or chisel to take off the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Utilize the knife to cut away any wood that is bare, and then seal it with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.
You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the most time-intensive method, but it can also give your glass a more substantial look. 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 can help to ensure a strong seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are intact. These gases are essential to keep warm inside your home in the winter and outside in the summer. If you remove the glass the gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose efficiency. You can replace gas fills using the same method as for repairing cracks on other kinds of glass.
