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 window glass. A damaged window could let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to get into your home.

While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from getting worse.

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically necessary. Moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window company will replace your windows without destroying the integrity of your existing frames.

Wood rot is another problem that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with rotting areas, window it may be possible to fix them, if they're not too much damaged. However in the event that the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This can be more costly than buying a brand new set.

A failed seal between the double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be an indication that your window's insulation has failed. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. They won't have the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.

The ugly casings, like ones that are loose, cracked or rotten, as well as missing, can cause other problems. A damaged casing doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, though. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood around it, you may be able to sand it and paint it to enhance its appearance.

If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to prevent moisture from causing damage to the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that is peeling or chipped

Window sills and frames are typically close to the elements, and they take a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Peeling paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, and is particularly so if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior or from snow and rain outside. It is essential to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and help the new paint hold better.

When paint starts to chip off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. To capture any paint that may stray, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a new coat. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility knife. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

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

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

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

Cracked Glass

A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwanted critters. If the crack or tear isn't severe enough you can repair it yourself. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon as they occur, before they get worse due to time or temperature changes.

There are a myriad of methods to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a small crack will create a weak spot in the glass, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, window which stops air or moisture from passing through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass off the frame. You'll need a scraper, utility knife or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that pin the pane in position. Utilize the knife to cut away any wood that is bare, and then seal it with linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into place by using epoxy. This is the longest-lasting alternative, but it will also give your glass a more solid look. When using epoxy, choose the double glazed window repairs near me-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured onto the window, which can help ensure a good seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be sure that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are vital for insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter and outside in the summer. If you remove the window, the gases will escape and cause the glass to reduce its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced by using the same procedure to repair cracks on other types of glass.