Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers, or a heavy beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A broken window lets rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your house.
While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and stop it from getting worse.
Water Damage
Water seeping through your window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture can damage the wood inside your window frame and cause rot. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without destroying the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If your wood windows have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has spread to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) You may have to replace them. This can be more costly than buying a new set.
Another issue that is often required for replacement is a failed seal between double-paned windows. This could be caused by the condensation or the accumulation of debris between the double-paned windows or a sign that the insulation of your window has failed. Many modern windows come with insulation built in. They won't have the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.
The ugly casings, like those that are cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, can create other issues. A damaged casing alone doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, though. You might be able to sand it and then repaint it to improve its appearance based on the condition and surrounding wood.
If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to stop moisture from causing damage to the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements and suffer a lot from sunlight and rain. Peeling window repairs around windows is caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes it to peel and lose adhesion. Moisture may come from condensation in the interior or rain and snow outside. Regardless of the source it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint the area as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preserver to the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow moisture penetration into the wood, which will help the new paint to hold better.
When paint starts 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 surface before applying a new coat. With a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to slash the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Once the area is dry, sand it again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface ready to accept paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when using paint that is based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.
Then paint, prime and then paint according to the directions on the specific tin of paint you're using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint, as they will vary according to the type of paint you're using. Make sure you paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior grade.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A damaged window can make your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind, bugs, and other unpleasant critters. If the crack or break isn't severe enough you can repair it yourself. It is best to fix small cracks as soon they occur, so that they don't become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.
There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses almost invisible. But this isn't a project that can be done by a DIYer. Even a small chip can cause a crack in the glass, which could cause more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, preventing air or moisture from passing through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.
Before putting on the plastic wear protective eyewear and gloves, and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Utilize a utility knife, scraper or chisel, to cut off the old glazing points that secure the pane. Also, you should use the knife to pry out any wood that is bare and then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
The glass can be glued back into the position by using epoxy. This is the slowest option, but it will also give your glass a more robust appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. 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, make certain that the gas fills are intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are crucial to insulate your home and ensuring that heat stays inside during the winter and out in the summer. If you remove the glass the gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills using the same method as for repairing cracks on other kinds of glass.
