Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass can be caused by a small pebble by the lawnmowers or a large drink placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window may let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to enter your home.

While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible but there are ways to repair it and prevent it from getting worse.

Water Damage

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

Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have rotting spots it is possible when the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has reached the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) it could be necessary to replace the windows. This may cost more than a new set of windows.

Another issue that often requires replacement is a damaged seal between your double-paned windows. 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. A lot of modern windows have insulation built-in. This means they can't experience the same issues that 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, however. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the surrounding wood you may be able to sand it and paint it to improve its appearance.

If your exterior casing is in poor condition it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to keep moisture from causing damage to the window. You can also install new exterior casing to give an attractive and practical improvement to your home.

Paint that is peeling or chipped

Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements, and they are subject to a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for paint peeling around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure under the film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior, or from rain and snow on the exterior. No matter the source, it's important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative to the bare wood and thinned boiled oil before painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into the wood, which helps the new paint to stick better.

When paint starts to chip off, it's time to repair your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on 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 beneath or cut into the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

Once the surface has dried, sand 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. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area, such as baseboards. This will 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 depending on the type. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.

Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames can't be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A broken window leaves your home open to wind, rain and bugs. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if it's not too big of a crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon as they happen, before they become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.

While there are many methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible, this is a tall task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which can lead to more breaks and costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. It covers the crack from the outside and stops air or moisture from getting through, which can damage the frame or seals around windows.

Before putting on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety glasses and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. You'll require an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any old glazing points that pin the pane into position. It is also recommended to make use of the knife to pull away any wood that is unfinished, then clean and seal the area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be put back in its original position with epoxy. This is the longest-lasting alternative, but it will also give your glass a more substantial appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener in a similar way. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which will ensure a solid seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows, make certain that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are crucial for insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter months, and outside in the summer. If you take the glass off these gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as to repair cracks on other types of glass.