Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble that was thrown from the lawnmower or a large drink placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window allows wind, rain insects, and other undesirable elements to enter your house.

While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible however, there are ways to fix it and stop it from spreading further.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows, a replacement is usually required. The moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without causing damage to them.

Wood rot is another problem that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to fix them if they're not too much damaged. However when the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This can be more costly than buying a brand new set.

Another issue that is often required for replacement is a faulty seal between your double glazing-paned windows. This can be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes or it could be an indication that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation in them. This means they don't face the same issues as older multi-paned windows.

Casings that are ugly, such as ones that are cracked, loose, rotten, Window replacement or missing, 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 improve its appearance, depending on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.

If the casing on the outside isn't in great condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint might be the best solution to stop moisture from destroying your window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a stylish and practical upgrade to your home.

Paint that is peeling or chipped

Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and suffer a lot from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood, and once 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. It's important to scrape and sand the surface when you notice the paint begin to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preserver to the bare wood and thinned boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into the wood, which will help the new paint to stay better.

When paint begins to crack, it's time to consider repairing your window. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut the underlying sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the surface is dry, sand the area again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a surface that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paint make sure you use proper safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any adjacent surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the can of paint because they'll differ depending on the type of paint. Make sure you paint the exterior surface with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior grade.

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

Cracked Glass

A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to winds and rain, as well as bugs. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if it's not too large crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't become worse as time passes 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. A small crack can create a weak spot in the window, which can eventually lead to more breaks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. It covers it from the outside and blocks moisture or air from seeping through, which can harm the frame or seals around windows.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to removing the broken glass from the frame. Utilize a utility knife, scraper or chisel, to remove the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. It is also recommended to use the knife to pry out any wood that is empty, then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This method is the longest-running but it will give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double glazing repair-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are important to insulate your home and keeping heat in during winter and out in the summer. If you remove the glass the gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method used to repair cracks in other types of glass.