Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are one of the many things that can cause cracks in glass windows. A broken window can let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to infiltrate your home.

Although it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from getting worse.

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically necessary. Moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your window replacement. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames with no damage to them.

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

Another common issue that requires replacement is a faulty seal between double-paned windows. This could be due to the condensation or the accumulation of debris between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation in your window is failing. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation in them. This means they don't face the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

Unattractive casings, such as ones that are cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, can cause other problems. A damaged casing does not mean it's time to replace your windows, however. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it, you may be able to sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance.

If your exterior casing is in bad shape it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to keep moisture from causing damage to the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and suffer a lot from the sun and rain. Moisture is the primary reason for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior, or snow and rain outside. Whatever the cause, it's important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins 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 the paint begins to chip off, it's time to repair your window. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut the sheathing underneath. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.

After the area is dry, sand it again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that's ready for painting. Use the proper safety equipment if you're using paint that is based on lead. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it like baseboards to shield them from paint.

Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific paint tin you're using. Make sure to adhere to the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint as they differ according to the type of paint. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior-grade.

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

Cracked glass

A broken window leaves your home open to wind rain, insects and wind. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if it's not too large crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they occur, before they get worse due to time or temperature changes.

While there are numerous methods that claim to make damaged glass invisible, this is a tall task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip could 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. It covers the crack from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which could damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Wear protective glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel, or scraper to remove the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then apply the linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into the position using epoxy. This is the most time-consuming, but will give your glass a more solid appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener in a similar way. This allows you to precisely control the amount applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows be certain that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are important for insulating your home and ensuring that heat is kept in during winter and out in summer. If you remove the window replacement the gasses will escape and cause the glass to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.