Why Window Repair Is Necessary

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

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

Water Damage

Water seeping through the window replacement frame is a sign that you should replace it. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of the 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 a different issue that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting it is possible when 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) it could be necessary to rebuild them. This can be more costly than buying a brand new set.

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

Unattractive casings, such as ones that are damaged, cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, could cause other problems. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the surrounding wood, you may be able to sand it and paint it to enhance its appearance.

If your exterior casing is damaged, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to prevent moisture from damaging the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that has peeled or chipped

Window sills and frames are often close to the elements and suffer from the sun and rain. Paint peeling around windows is caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure in the film of paint causes it to peel and lose adhesion. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. It's important to scrape and sand the surface as soon as you see the paint begin to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into wood, allowing the new paint to stick better.

If the paint begins to chip off the window, it's time for repairing your window. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp over 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 through the sheathing underneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

When the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that's ready to accept paint. Use the correct safety equipment when you're using paint based on lead. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any other surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint you're using. Be sure to follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint as they differ by type. Finally, be sure to 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 inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A damaged window leaves your home open to wind rain, insects and wind. If the crack or break isn't severe enough you can repair it yourself. It is important to address small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they become worse due to temperature changes or time.

There are many ways to make broken glasses virtually invisible. But this isn't an easy task that is achievable by DIYers. Even a tiny chip can cause a crack in the glass, which could cause more breaks and an expensive replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This covers the crack from the outside, preventing air or moisture from getting through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.

Put on your safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass off the frame. Utilize a utility knife, scraper or chisel, to remove the old glazing points that secure the pane. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then finish it off with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into the position with epoxy. This method is the most time-consuming but it will give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is applied to the window, which helps ensure a good seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows be sure that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are vital to insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter, and outside in summer. If you remove the window, the gases will escape and cause the glass to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same procedure used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.