Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are just some of the many things that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window could let rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.

There are ways to repair damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows replacing them is typically required. The moisture can damage the wood of the window frame and cause rot. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.

Wood rot is another issue that affects both the inside and exterior of your window replacement. If your wood windows have spots of rotting repairs may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has reached the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to replace them. This could cost more than a new set windows.

Another issue that often requires replacement is a damaged seal between your double glazing repair-paned windows. This could be due to condensation or debris between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation in your window has gone out of date. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation built into them. They won't have the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.

A cracked, loose or rotting the 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. You might be able to sand it and repaint it to make it look better based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.

If your exterior casing is damaged it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to keep water from destroying the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and practical improvement to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and are prone to suffering from the sun and rain. Paint peeling around windows is caused by moisture, and is particularly so if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. Whatever the cause, it's important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood before painting to prevent moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.

When paint starts to chip off, it's time to repair your window. To remove any paint that might stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a fresh coat. Remove any loose paint with a utility blade. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut into the underlying sheathing. 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 surface that is ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

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

Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair however, it could be worth upgrading them to newer, more energy efficient windows.

Glass that has cracked

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwanted creatures. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if you don't have too severe of a crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.

While there are numerous methods that claim to make broken glass invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which can cause more breaks and costly replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This will cover the crack from the outside, and prevents moisture or air from leaking through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.

Put on your safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. Utilize a utility knife scraper, chisel, Window Replacement or scraper to cut off the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Utilize the knife to cut away any wood that is bare, and then seal it with Linseed or a clear sealer.

You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the longest-lasting option, but it will also give your glass a more substantial look. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This allows you to 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 that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter months, and outside in summer. If you take the window off the gasses escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.