Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass could be caused by a small pebble by the lawnmowers or a large drink placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window allows wind, rain, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your home.

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

Water Damage

Water seeping through your window 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 reduce the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames with no damage to them.

Wood rot is another issue that can affect both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with rotting areas, it may be possible to repair them if they are not terribly damaged. If the rot has spread to the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to replace the windows. This can cost more than a new set windows.

Another issue that is often required for replacement is a failed seal between double glazing repair-paned windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation inside your window has gone out of date. Fortunately, many modern windows have insulation built-in. This means they don't face the same issues that older multi-paned windows.

Loose, cracked or rotting casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other issues. A damaged casing does not suggest that it's time to replace your windows, however. You may be able to sand it and then repaint it to make it look better, depending on the condition and surrounding wood.

If the exterior casing isn't in good shape, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint could be all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that has peeled or chipped

Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements, which means they take a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. The peeling of paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure in the film of paint causes it to lose adhesion and peel. Moisture can come from condensation in the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. It is essential to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint chipping. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preserver to the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiled oil before painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, which will help the new paint to hold better.

When paint begins to crack, it's time for a window repair. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility knife. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

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

Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Make sure you follow the temperature and Window Replacement curing guidelines for the paint as they differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.

Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to winds and rain, as well as bugs. If the break or crack isn't severe enough, you can repair it yourself. You should address small cracks as soon as you notice them prior to them getting more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.

There are many ways to make broken glasses appear as if they are not there. But, this is not something that is achievable by DIYers. Even a small crack will cause a weakness in the glass, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This will cover the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from passing through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.

Before you put on the plastic wear gloves and safety glasses and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. Utilize a utility knife scraper, chisel, or scraper to cut off the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. Also, you should use the knife to pry out any wood that's empty and then clean and seal that area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can make use of epoxy to stick the glass back in place. This is the longest-lasting alternative, but it will also give your glass a more solid look. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener equally. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass which will ensure a solid seal.

When resetting double glazing- or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are essential to keep warm inside your home in the winter, and outside during summer. If you remove the window, the gases escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills using the same method as to repair cracks in other types of glass.