Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by a lawnmower or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped coffee table are just one of the many things that can cause cracks in glass windows. A broken window can allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to enter your home.

There are ways to repair a cracked glass and stop it from spreading.

Water Damage

The sight of water leaking through the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture can cause damage to the wood in the frame of your window and cause rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames with no damage to 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 fix them, if they're not too far gone. If the rot has reached your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) You may have to replace the windows. This may cost more than a new set windows.

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

The ugly casings, like those that are loose, cracked or rotten, as well as missing, can create other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the surrounding wood you may be able to sand and paint it to improve its appearance.

If the exterior casing of your home is damaged, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to stop moisture from causing damage to the window. Installing new exterior casing can be a beautiful and practical upgrade to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window frames and sills are typically close to the elements, which means they take a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. The peeling of paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, particularly if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. No matter the source it's essential to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint the area as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.

If the paint begins to peel off the window, it's time for repairing your window. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any scattered drops of paint. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using an 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.

Once the surface is dry, sand it again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that is ready for paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment if you're using paint based on lead. Clean the sanded area and tape off any adjacent surfaces like baseboards to shield them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin you are using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines for the paint as they will differ according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.

Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing frames. If your window doctor near me frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it might be worth upgrading them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.

Cracked Glass

A broken window leaves your home open to wind, rain and bugs. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if there isn't too large a crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon they occur, so that they don't get worse due to time or temperature changes.

While there are many methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible but this is an extremely high order for a DIY project. Even a small chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which can cause more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This covers it from the outside and blocks air or moisture from leaking through, which can damage the frame or seals around windows.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to use an utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any old glazing points that pin the glass in the frame. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then finish it off with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into place with epoxy. This method is the longest-running, but will give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This allows you to control exactly how much is applied to the glass which will ensure a solid seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are intact. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter and outside during summer. If you take the glass off the gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced in the same way as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.