Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a large drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are just among the many factors that can cause cracks in glass windows. A damaged window lets rain, wind insects, and other undesirable elements to get into your home.

While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible but there are ways to repair it and stop it from getting worse.

Water Damage

If water is getting into your windows replacing them is typically required. Moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.

Wood rot can impact the outside and inside of your windows. If you have wooden windows with rotting areas, it may be possible to fix them if they're not too much damaged. If the rot has reached the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) You may have to replace the windows. This can be more expensive than purchasing a new set.

Another issue that is often required for replacement is a faulty seal between the double panes of your windows. It could be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has failed. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have the insulation built into them. This means they don't face the same issues that older multi-paned windows.

Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other problems. A damaged casing alone doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, but. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it you may be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance.

If the exterior casing of your home is damaged it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to keep water from destroying the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements, which means they are subject to a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Moisture is the main cause for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or from snow and rain outside. Whatever the cause it's essential 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 preservative to the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into wood, which will help the new paint to hold better.

When paint begins to chip, it's time to repair your window. To remove any paint that has strayed onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the surface before applying a new coat. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut the sheathing beneath. Allow the area to dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.

After the area is dry, sand the area again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that's ready for painting. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces close to the sanded surface, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to the directions on the specific tin of paint you're using. Make sure you follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint, as these will vary by type. Make sure you paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior grade.

Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair it could be worth upgrading them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.

Cracked Glass

A damaged window can make your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind, bugs, and other unwelcome creatures. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if it's not too big of a crack or break. You should address small cracks immediately before they get worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.

There are a myriad of methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible, this is a tall task for a DIY. Even a small chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which could cause more breaks and a costly replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This protects it from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.

Before you put on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety eyewear and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. Utilize a utility knife, scraper or chisel, to remove the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. You should also use the knife to pry out any wood that's empty and then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the most time-intensive option, but it will also give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured onto the window replacement, which will help ensure a solid seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows, make certain that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are crucial to insulate your home and ensuring that heat is kept in during the winter and out in the summer. If you remove the glass, those gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method used to repair cracks in other types of glass.