Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a large drink set on your glass-topped table are one of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A damaged window may let rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.

While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible but there are ways to repair it and stop it from spreading further.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. The moisture can cause damage to the wood of the frame of your window and cause rot. It can also compromise the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window company will replace your windows, without compromising the integrity of your existing frames.

Wood rot can affect the inside and outside of your windows. If your windows are made of wood and have rotting spots repairs may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. However in the event that the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of the Window repair Bedford frame that support the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This can be more expensive than purchasing a new set.

A damaged seal between the double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. It could be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could indicate that your window's insulation has been damaged. Modern windows have insulation built in. They won't have the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.

Unattractive casings, such as those that are cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, could cause other problems. A damaged casing does not mean it's time to replace your windows, though. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the surrounding wood you may be able to sand and paint it to improve its appearance.

If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop moisture from causing damage to the window. Installing new exterior casing can be a beautiful and practical improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and suffer from the sun and rain. The peeling of paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior or snow and rain outside. Regardless of the source it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint the area as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiling oil prior to painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, allowing the new paint to stay better.

When paint starts to chip off the window, it's time for repairing your window. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any scattered drops of paint. Clean any paint that is loose with an utility knife. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the area has dried, sand again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that's ready for painting. If you're working with lead-based paint make sure you use proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded area and tape off any other surfaces, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin that you are using. Make sure to adhere to the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint can, as these will vary by type. Also, make sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior-grade.

Window replacements can be expensive However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are beyond repair, it could be worth upgrading them to more modern, more energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome critters. If the break or crack isn't too serious, you can repair it yourself. It is best to fix small cracks as soon they happen, before they become worse as time passes or temperature changes.

There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses virtually invisible. However, this is not a project that can be completed by DIYers. Even a tiny chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which can cause more breaks and an expensive replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This covers the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from getting 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 for removing any glazing points that hold the pane into place. You should also use the knife to pry away any wood that is unfinished and then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

You can then make use of epoxy to stick the glass back to its original position. This option is the most time consuming however it will give your glass a more robust appearance. Choose the double glazing repair Staines-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener equally. This allows you to control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which will ensure a solid seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows be certain that the gas fills are intact when resetting the glass. These gases are crucial to insulate your home and ensuring that heat stays inside the winter months and out in summer. If you remove the window the gasses escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced in the same way as to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.