Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble that was thrown from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window may allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to infiltrate your home.

While it is impossible to make a cracked window replacement completely invisible but there are ways to fix it and prevent it from becoming worse.

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically required. The moisture can cause damage to the wood in the frame of your window and cause rot. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window company will replace your windows without destroying the structural integrity of your current frames.

Wood rot is another problem that can affect both the interior and the exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting it is possible if the rot isn't too advanced. If the rot has gotten to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window Doctor frame that support your glass panes) it could be necessary to replace them. This could be more expensive than buying a brand new set.

A failed seal between double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be an indication that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have the insulation built into them. They won't have the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.

A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. It's not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the surrounding wood you may be able to sand and paint it to enhance its appearance.

If the casing on the outside isn't in great condition A new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint might be the best solution to prevent moisture from damaging your window. Installing new exterior casing can be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Frames and window sills are typically close to the elements, and they are subject to a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. Paint peeling around windows is mostly caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure below the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior, or rain and snow outside. No matter the source it's essential to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.

If paint starts to crack, it's time to repair your window. To remove any paint that might stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the surface before applying a fresh coat. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility knife. Be careful not gouge the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.

Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. 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 the appropriate safety equipment. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.

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

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

Cracked Glass

A damaged window can make your home vulnerable to wind, rain bugs, and other unpleasant critters. If the crack or break isn't severe enough you can fix it yourself. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.

While there are many methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible, this is a tall task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip can cause a crack in the glass, which can lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. It covers the crack from the outside and stops moisture or air from seeping 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. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to cut off the old glazing points that secure the pane. Utilize the knife to cut away any wood that is not used, then apply the linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into its original position by using epoxy. This is the slowest method, but it can also give your glass a more solid appearance. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that distributes resin and hardener equally. This allows you to precisely control the amount applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are essential to keep warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside during summer. If you take the glass off these gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same procedure used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.