Why Window Repair Is Necessary

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

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

Water Damage

If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture could damage the wood in your window frame and cause rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.

Wood rot can affect the outside and inside of your windows. If you have wood windows with decaying areas, it might be possible to fix them if they are not too much damaged. If the rot has reached your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) You may have to replace them. This may cost more than a new set windows.

Another issue that often requires replacement is a damaged seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be due to the condensation or the accumulation of debris between the double-paned windows or it could be a sign that the insulation inside your window is failing. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation in them. This means that they won't have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

A cracked, loose or rotting casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. A damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, but. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood surrounding it you might be able to sand and repaint it to improve its appearance.

If the exterior casing isn't in good shape, a new layer of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be all you need to keep moisture from damaging your window. The installation of new exterior casings can be an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for peeling paint around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. Moisture may come from condensation in the interior or rain and snow outside. It is important to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint begin to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This helps to slow moisture penetration into the wood, which will help the new paint to stay better.

If paint starts to chip, it's time for a window repair. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility knife. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut into the sheathing underneath. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

When the area is dry and dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready for painting. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when using paint based on lead. Clean the sanded area and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it like baseboards to shield them from paint.

Then, prime and paint as directed on the specific paint tin you're using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the can of paint, as they will vary depending on the type of paint. Make sure you paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior-grade.

Window replacement can be costly, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Glass that has cracked

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwelcome critters. If the crack or break is not too severe, you can repair it yourself. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they happen, before they get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.

There are a myriad of methods that claim to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a small chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which can result in more breakage and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This covers the crack from the outside and blocks air or moisture from getting through, which can harm the frame or seals around windows.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll require a utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that pin the pane in the frame. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull away any wood that is bare, then clean and seal that area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the slowest alternative, but it will also give your glass a more solid look. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount applied to the glass which will ensure a solid seal.

If you have double glazed window repairs- or triple-pane windows, make sure 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 during summer. If you remove the glass these gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method that is used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.