Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble thrown from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window allows rain, wind insects, and other unwelcome elements to enter your home.

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

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows, a replacement is usually required. The moisture can damage the wood of the window frame and cause the frame to rot. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window doctor company will replace your windows, without compromising the structural integrity of your current frames.

Wood rot is another issue that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with rotting areas, it may be possible to repair them if they are not terribly damaged. However, if the rot has spread to your muntins or mullions (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.

Another issue that often requires replacement is a failed seal between double-paned windows. It could be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be an indication that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. This means they can't experience the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

Cracked, loose or rotting casings around your windows are unattractive and can lead to other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood surrounding it you might be able to sand and paint it to enhance its appearance.

If your exterior casing is in bad shape, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop moisture from causing damage to the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer a lot from the sun and rain. The peeling of paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, especially when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure below the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture may come from condensation in the interior, or snow and rain outside. It's important to scrape and sand the surface as soon as you see the paint start to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.

If paint starts to crack, it's time to consider repairing your window. To catch any paint that has strayed on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area before applying a new coat. With a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

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 is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paint make sure you use the proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded area and tape off any adjacent surfaces like baseboards to shield them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the can of paint, as they will vary depending on 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 more affordable alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are beyond repair, it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.

Cracked Glass

A damaged window leaves your home open to wind, rain and bugs. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if there isn't too large crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't get worse due to time or temperature fluctuations.

There are a myriad of methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a small chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which could lead to more breaks and costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This protects it from the outside and blocks moisture or air from seeping through, which can damage the frame 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 scraper, utility knife or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that hold the pane into position. It is also recommended to use the knife to pry away any wood that is empty, then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the longest-lasting alternative, but it will also give your glass a more solid appearance. Select the double glazing-cylinder dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener in a similar way. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured into the window, which can help ensure a good seal.

When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are crucial to insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter months, and outside in summer. If you remove the window, the gases escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same procedure used to repair cracks in other types of glass.