Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped table are some of the many things that can cause cracks in glass windows. A damaged window allows rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your house.

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

Water Damage

The sight of water leaking through the window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can cause damage to the wood in the frame of your window and cause the frame to rot. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.

Wood rot can affect both the exterior and interior of your windows. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they are not too much damaged. If the rot has gotten to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) it could be necessary to replace the windows. This could cost more than a new set of windows.

A damaged seal between double-paned windows is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be caused by the condensation or the accumulation of debris between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation inside your window is failing. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation built into them. This means they don't face the same issues that older multi-paned windows.

Casings that are ugly, such as those that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, can cause other problems. A damaged casing doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, though. You may be able sand it and then repaint it to improve its appearance in accordance with the condition and surrounding wood.

If the casing on the outside isn't in great condition and window repair you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint could be all you need to keep moisture from damaging your upvc window repairs. You can also install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and practical improvement to your home.

Paint that has peeled or chipped

Window frames and sills are typically close to the elements, and they can take a lot wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main reason for the peeling of paint around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure in the paint film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. It is important to sand and scrape the surface when you notice the paint begin to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative on the bare wood and thinned boiled oil before painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into wood, allowing the new paint to stay better.

When paint begins to crack, it's time for a window repair. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any stray drops of paint. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not gouge the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

Once the surface is dry, sand it again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that's ready for painting. Use the proper safety equipment when you're using paint that is based on lead. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any other surfaces, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according to instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the can of paint, as they will vary depending on the type of paint. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior-grade.

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

Glass that has cracked

A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to wind, rain and bugs. If the crack or tear is not too severe you can repair it yourself. You should address small cracks immediately, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.

While there are many methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. A small crack can create a weak point in the window, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This covers the crack from the outside, which stops moisture or air from leaking through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need to use a utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any old glazing points that hold the glass in place. Also, you should use the knife to pry away any wood that is empty and then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This option is the most time-consuming but it will 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 determine exactly how much applied to the glass, which ensures a strong seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are important for insulating your home and keeping heat in during winter and out in summer. If you remove the window, the gases will escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.