Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window allows wind, rain insects, and other undesirable elements to enter your house.

Although it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible but 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 and cause the frame to rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.

Wood rot can affect both the exterior and interior of your windows. If your windows are made of wood and have rotting spots, a repair may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has spread to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to replace the windows. This can be more costly than buying a brand new set.

A damaged seal between the double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or a sign that the insulation in your window is failing. Many modern windows come with insulation built in. This means they don't face the same issues that older multi-paned windows.

A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. You may be able to sand it and repaint the casing to enhance its appearance, depending on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.

If the casing on the outside isn't in great condition and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to prevent moisture from damaging your window. Installing new exterior casing can be a stylish and practical improvement to your home.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

Window sills and frames are typically close to the elements, so they take a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Paint peeling around windows is caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood, and once it evaporates the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. Regardless of the source it is important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood prior to painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and help the new paint hold better.

When paint begins to crack, it's time for a window repair. To capture any paint that might stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a new coat. Remove any loose paint with a utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut through the sheathing beneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

When the area is dry and dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a surface ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

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

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

Cracked Glass

A damaged window can make your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind, bugs, and other unwelcome critters. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if you don't have too severe of crack or break. It is important to address small cracks right away, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.

There are a myriad of methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which can lead to more breaks and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This covers the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from getting through. This could damage 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 need a scraper, utility knife, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that pin the glass in position. Make use of the knife to remove any bare wood, then finish it off with Linseed or a clear sealer.

Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This is the longest-lasting alternative, but it will also give your glass a more robust appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener in a similar way. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured into the window, which helps ensure a solid seal.

If you have double glazing near me or triple-pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are important to insulate your home and keeping heat in during winter and out during summer. If you take the glass off, those gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method that is used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.