Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a large drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are among the many factors that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A broken window can allow wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome elements to infiltrate your home.

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

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. The moisture can damage the wood of your window frame and cause rot. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.

Wood rot can affect the outside and inside 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. If the rot has gotten to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window repair near me frame that support your glass panes), you may need to rebuild the windows. This can be more costly than purchasing a new set.

Another issue that is often required for replacement is a faulty seal between double-paned windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation in your window is failing. A lot of modern windows have insulation built in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is not attractive and could cause 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 wood surrounding it you might be able to sand or paint it to improve its appearance.

If the exterior casing isn't in good condition and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint could be all you need to stop moisture from destroying your window. You can also install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

Window sills and frames are typically close to the elements, and they take a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for peeling paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps into wood and, replace when it evaporates, the pressure in the film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the outside. It's important to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint begin to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preserver to the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into wood, which helps the new paint to stick better.

If paint starts to chip, 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. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

When the area is dry then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that is ready for paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment if you're using paint based on lead. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any other surfaces, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.

Then paint and prime according to the directions on the specific tin of paint that 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. Also, make 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 less expensive alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A broken window can leave your home open to wind rain, insects and wind. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if there isn't too large a crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they occur, so that they don't get worse due to time or temperature changes.

There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses appear as if they are not there. However this isn't a project that is achievable by an amateur. Even a small crack will create a weak point in the window, which can eventually lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with plastic. It covers the crack from the outside and prevents moisture or air from seeping through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.

Before you put on the plastic wear gloves and safety eyewear and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that hold the glass in place. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then finish it off with linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be put back in its original position with epoxy. This is the most time-consuming, replace but will give your glass a more solid appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.

When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are essential for insulating your home and keeping heat in the winter months and out in the summer. If you remove the glass, those gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.