Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A broken window can let rain, wind, bugs and other undesirable elements to infiltrate your home.

There are ways to repair damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.

Water Damage

Water seeping through the window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture could damage the wood of your window frame and cause rot. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without causing damage to them.

Wood rot is another problem that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting repairs may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. However when the rot has spread to your muntins or window repair mullions (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This could cost more than a new set windows.

Another issue that often requires replacement is a damaged seal between your double-paned windows. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has gone out of date. Fortunately, many modern windows have insulation in them. This means that they won't have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

Unattractive casings, such as those that are cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, could cause other issues. A damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, but. You may be able to sand it and repaint it to make it look better based 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 keep moisture from damaging your window. Installing new exterior casing can be a beautiful and practical improvement to your home.

Paint that is peeling or chipped

Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements and are prone to suffering from rain and sunlight. Peeling paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. Moisture may come from condensation in the interior, or snow and rain outside. Whatever the cause it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.

If paint begins to chip off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut the sheathing beneath. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.

Once the surface is dry, sand it again with a fine sanding pad. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a surface ready for paint. If you're 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 shield them from paint.

Then paint and prime according to the directions on the specific paint tin you're using. Make sure you follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint as they will differ according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.

Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. If your upvc window repair frames can't be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to winds, rain and bugs. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if you don't have too big of a crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they occur, before they get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.

While there are numerous methods to make broken glass invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which could lead to more breaks and costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from passing through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.

Put on your safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll require a scraper, utility knife or chisel for removing any glazing points that hold the pane into the frame. Use the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then apply the linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into place by using epoxy. This is the most time-intensive option, but it will also give your glass a more substantial look. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are crucial to insulate your home and ensuring that heat is kept in during the winter and out during summer. If you take the glass off the gases escape through the crack and cause the window repairs to lose energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.