Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown by a lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window could let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to get into your home.

There are many ways to fix broken glass and stop it from spreading.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows replacing them is typically necessary. The moisture could damage the wood inside the frame of your window and cause the frame to rot. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames with no damage to them.

Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If your wood windows have rotting spots it is possible when the rot isn't advanced. However in the event that the rot has reached the mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) They may have to be replaced. This could cost more than a new set windows.

Another issue that often requires replacement is a damaged seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation in your upvc window repairs is failing. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have the insulation in them. This means that they won't have the same issues that older multi-paned windows.

Loose, cracked or rotting casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other issues. A damaged casing does not suggest that it's time to replace your windows, however. You may be able sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance based on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.

If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to prevent water from destroying the window. Installing new exterior casing can be a beautiful and practical upgrade to your home.

Paint that has peeled or chipped

Frames and window sills are often in close proximity to the elements, and they can take a lot damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood, window replacement and once it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. Whatever the cause, it's important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.

When paint begins to chip, it's time to repair your window. To remove any paint that may stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp over the area before applying a fresh coat. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility blade. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut into the underlying sheathing. Let the area dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

When the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that's ready for painting. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when you're using paint that is based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

Then, prime and paint as directed on the specific tin of paint you're using. Make sure to adhere to the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint as they will differ by type. Also, make sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.

Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing them. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.

Glass that has cracked

A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to wind rain, insects and wind. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if there isn't too severe of a crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they occur, before they become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.

While there are many methods that claim to make damaged glass invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. Even a tiny chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which could cause more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This covers it from the outside and stops air or moisture from getting through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Before putting on the plastic and putting on your protective eyewear and gloves, and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel, or scraper to remove the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. You should also 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 glued back into its original position using epoxy. This method is the most time-consuming, but will give your glass a more robust appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which will ensure a solid seal.

When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are essential for insulating your home and keeping heat in during the winter and out during summer. If you take the glass off, those gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.