Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass could be caused by a small pebble from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A damaged window could let rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to infiltrate your home.

While it is not possible to make a damaged window completely invisible but there are ways to fix it and stop it from becoming worse.

Water Damage

Water that is leaking out of your window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture can damage the wood inside the frame of your window replacement and cause rot. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.

Wood rot can impact the inside and outside of your windows. If you have windows made of wood with rotting areas, it may be possible to fix them, if they're not too much damaged. If the rot has spread to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to rebuild the windows. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.

A damaged seal between double-paned windows is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be caused by condensation or debris that has formed between your double glazing-paned windows, or it could be a sign that the insulation of your window is failing. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. This means they can't experience the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

Cracked, loose or rotting casings around your windows are not attractive and could cause other issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it you may be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance.

If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to prevent moisture from causing damage to the window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements, so they are subject to a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Peeling paint 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 paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. It's important to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint chipping. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative to the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into wood, which helps the new paint to stick better.

When paint begins to chip, it's time to consider repairing your window. To capture any paint that might stray on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp on the surface before applying a fresh coat. With a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut through the sheathing underneath. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.

Once the area is dry, sand it again using a fine sanding pad. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a base ready to accept paint. Use the correct safety equipment when you're using paint based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific paint tin you're using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint because they'll differ depending on the type. Also, make sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior grade.

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

Glass that has cracked

A damaged window can make your home vulnerable to wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome critters. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if it's not too severe of a crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon as they occur, before they become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.

While there are numerous methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. A tiny crack could cause a weakness in the glass, Window Replacement which could eventually lead to further breaks and a more expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This covers the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from passing through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass off the frame. Utilize a utility knife, scraper or chisel, to cut off the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Use the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then finish it off with linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be put back in its original position with epoxy. This is the most time-intensive alternative, but it will also give your glass a more robust look. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener in a similar way. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is applied to the window, which can help ensure a good seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are intact. These gases are important for insulating your house and keeping heat in during the winter and out in the summer. If you remove the glass, those gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced using the same method as to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.