Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A broken window can let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to infiltrate your home.

While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, there are ways to door repair it and prevent it from spreading further.

Water Damage

Water seeping through your window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.

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

Another common issue that requires replacement is a failed seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has gone out of date. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have the insulation in them. They won't have the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.

Cracked, loose or rotting casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other issues. A damaged casing does not suggest that it's time to replace your windows, though. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the surrounding wood you might be able to sand or paint it to improve its appearance.

If the casing on the outside isn't in good condition, a new layer of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a beautiful and practical upgrade to your home.

Paint that is peeling or chipped

Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements, which means they are subject to a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Moisture is the primary reason for peeling paint around windows, particularly when 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. The moisture can be caused by condensation inside, or from snow and rain outside. Whatever the cause it is important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters add 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.

When paint begins to chip, it's time for a window repair. Before you apply a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut the sheathing beneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

After the area has dried and dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that is ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using the proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it like baseboards to protect them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint as they differ depending on the type of paint. Make sure you paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.

Window replacements can be expensive, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unpleasant critters. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if you don't have too big of crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they occur, before they become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.

There are a myriad of methods to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. Even a small chip can cause a crack in the glass, which can lead to more breaks and costly replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with plastic. It covers the crack from the outside and stops moisture or air from seeping through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.

Put on your safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass off the frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that pin the pane into the frame. Use the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then seal it with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the longest-lasting method, but it can also give your glass a more robust appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured into the window, which helps ensure a good seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are important for insulating your house and ensuring that heat is kept in during winter and out in the summer. If you take the window off, the gases will escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced using the same method as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.