Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped table are among the many factors that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A broken window lets rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to get into your home.

While it is not possible to make a damaged window completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from spreading further.

Water Damage

If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. The moisture could damage the wood inside your window frame and cause rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows without destroying the strength of your existing frames.

Wood rot can impact the outside and inside of your windows. If you have windows made of wood with rotting areas, it may be possible to fix them, if they're not too much damaged. However, if the rot has spread to your mullions or muntins (the parts of your upvc window repairs (linked web page) frame that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This can cost more than a new set windows.

A damaged seal between double-paned windows is another issue that requires replacement. This could be caused by condensation or debris between the double-paned windows or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has gone out of date. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. This means they can't experience the same issues that older multi-paned windows.

The ugly casings, like ones that are cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, can cause other problems. It's not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. You may be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.

If the exterior casing isn't in great condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint could be the best solution to keep moisture from damaging your window doctor. The installation of new exterior casings can be a stylish and practical improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements and suffer a lot from sunlight and rain. Moisture is the primary reason for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. Regardless of the source it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to prevent moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.

If paint starts to chip, it's the time to consider repairing your window. To catch any paint that might stray, place a dropcloth or tarp over the area before applying a fresh coat. Using a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut into the underlying sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

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 ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use the proper safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any other surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the specific paint tin you're using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the paint's can because they'll differ depending on the type. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior-grade.

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

Glass that has cracked

A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to wind and rain, as well as bugs. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if it's not too big of a crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon they occur, before they become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.

There are a myriad of methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. Even a tiny chip could create a weak spot in the glass, which could cause more breaks and a costly replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This covers the crack from the outside and blocks air or moisture from getting through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Before putting on the plastic wear protective eyewear and gloves, and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. You'll need a utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that hold the pane into position. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is empty and then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into the position with epoxy. This is the slowest alternative, but it will also give your glass a more substantial appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener equally. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass which ensures a strong seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be sure that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are essential to insulate your home and keeping heat in during the winter and out in summer. If you remove the window the gasses escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method that is used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.