Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A window replacement that is damaged lets rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to get into your home.

While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from getting worse.

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically necessary. The moisture can damage the wood in the frame of your window replacement and cause the frame to rot. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.

Wood rot is another problem that affects both the inside and exterior of your window. If you have wood windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to fix them, if they're not terribly damaged. If the rot has gotten to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to replace them. This can be more costly than buying a new set.

A deteriorated seal between double-paned windows is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be caused by the condensation or the accumulation of debris between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation in your window is failing. A lot of modern windows have insulation built in. This means they don't face the same issues that older multi-paned windows.

Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casings around your windows are unattractive and can lead to other issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it you might be able to sand it and paint it to improve its appearance.

If the exterior casing isn't in good shape, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint could be the best solution to stop moisture from destroying your window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a stylish and practical upgrade to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements, so they are subject to a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure under the film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior, or from rain and snow on the exterior. It is important to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint start to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative to the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into wood, allowing the new paint to stick better.

If paint begins to chip off the window, it's time for repairing your window. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. With a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut through the underlying sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

When the area is dry and dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that is ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin that you are using. Make sure to adhere to the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint as they will differ by type. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior-grade.

Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A broken window leaves your home open to wind rain, insects and wind. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if there isn't too big of crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't become worse as time passes or temperature changes.

While there are many methods to make damaged glass invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. A small crack can create a weak spot in the window, which can eventually lead to further breaks and a more expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, and prevents moisture or air from leaking through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.

Wear protective glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll require an utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that bind the glass in position. Also, you should use the knife to pry out any wood that's bare, then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be put back in the position by using epoxy. This is the longest-lasting alternative, but it will also give your glass a more solid appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener equally. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy is applied to the window, which will help 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 winter and out in summer. If you take the glass off, those gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method that is used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.