Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A broken window allows rain, wind insects, and other undesirable elements to enter your home.

There are ways to repair broken glass and stop it from spreading.

Water Damage

Water seeping through the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture can damage the wood in the upvc window repair frame and cause the frame to rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames with no damage to them.

Wood rot is another problem that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with spots of rot, it might be possible to fix them, if they're not too much damaged. If the rot has gotten to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the Window Repairs frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to replace them. This may cost more than a new set windows.

A failed seal between double-paned window panes is another issue that requires replacement. 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 has failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have the insulation built into them. They won't have the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.

Loose, cracked or rotting the casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other issues. A damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, however. 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 exterior casing isn't in good shape, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint could be all you need to keep moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and suffer from the sun and rain. Paint peeling around windows is primarily caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood, and when it evaporates the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture can come from condensation in the interior, or from rain and snow on the outside. No matter the source it is important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce moisture penetration into the wood, allowing the new paint to hold better.

If paint starts to chip, it's the time to consider repairing your window. To capture any paint that might stray on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area before applying a fresh coat. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility blade. Be careful not to slash the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

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

Then, prime and paint according the instructions on the tin that you are using. Make sure to adhere to the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint can, as these will vary depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade.

Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing them. 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 vulnerable to wind and rain, as well as bugs. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if there isn't too large a crack or break. Repair small cracks right away before they get worse due to temperature changes or time.

While there are many methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. A tiny crack could create a weak spot in the window, which can eventually lead to further breaks and a more expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This protects the crack from the outside and stops moisture or air from seeping through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.

Before putting on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety glasses and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Utilize a utility knife, scraper or chisel, to cut off the old glazing points that secure the pane. It is also recommended to use the knife to pry out any wood that is unfinished, then clean and seal that area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the slowest option, but it will also give your glass a more solid appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for Window Repairs the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which ensures a strong seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are vital for insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside during summer. If you take the window off the gasses escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.