Why Window Repair Is Necessary

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

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

Water Damage

Water that is leaking out of your window doctor frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.

Wood rot can impact the inside and outside of your windows. If your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. However, if the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) They may have to be replaced. This can be more expensive than buying a new set.

A damaged seal between double-paned windows is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be caused by condensation or debris that has formed between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation of your window has gone out of date. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have the insulation in them. They won't face the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.

A cracked, loose or rotting casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other problems. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. You might be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance, depending on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.

If your exterior casing is in poor condition it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to prevent moisture from damaging the window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a stylish and practical upgrade to your home.

Paint that has peeled or chipped

Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and are prone to suffering from the sun and rain. Moisture is the primary reason for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. Moisture may come from condensation in the interior, or rain and snow outside. No matter the source it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.

If paint starts to chip, it's the time for a window repair. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or Window doctor tarp on the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to slash the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a base ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paint make sure you use proper safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.

Then paint and prime according to the directions on the specific tin of paint you're using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint, as they will vary according to the type of paint you're using. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior-grade.

window doctor replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are beyond repair, however, it might be worth upgrading them to more modern, more energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A damaged window leaves your home open to wind, rain and bugs. You may be tempted to replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if it's not too large crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they happen, before they get worse due to time or temperature changes.

There are many ways to make broken glasses virtually invisible. However this isn't something that is achievable by an amateur. Even a small crack will create a weak point in the window, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This protects the crack from the outside and prevents air or moisture from leaking through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.

Before putting on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety eyewear and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll require an utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any glazing points that pin the pane into the frame. Also, you should use the knife to pry away any wood that is bare and then clean and seal that area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This option is the most time consuming but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This allows you to precisely control how much epoxy is applied to the window, which can help ensure a good seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows, make certain that the gas fills are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential to keep warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside during summer. If you take the window off the gasses escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced in the same way as to repair cracks in other types of glass.