Why Window Repair Is Necessary

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

While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and stop it from becoming worse.

Water Damage

The sight of water leaking through your window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture could damage the wood inside the window frame and cause the frame to rot. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement service 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 your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting it is possible when the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has gotten to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the Window repairs frame that support your glass panes) You may have to replace them. This could cost more than a new set of windows.

Another common issue that requires replacement is a faulty seal between your double-paned windows. This could be caused by the condensation or the accumulation of debris between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation in your window has failed. Modern windows have insulation built-in. This means they can't experience the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

Loose, cracked, rotting, or missing casing around your window is ugly and could lead to 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 might be able to sand and Window repairs paint it to enhance its appearance.

If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to keep moisture from damaging the window repairs. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that has peeled or chipped

Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer from rain and sunlight. Peeling paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation on the interior, or from rain and snow on the exterior. It is important to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint chipping. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preserver to the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow moisture penetration into the wood, which helps the new paint to hold better.

If the paint begins to peel off, it's time to repair your window. To catch any paint that has strayed onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the surface before applying a fresh coat. Clean any paint that is loose with an utility knife. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut the sheathing beneath. Let the area dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.

Once the area is dry, sand the area again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that is ready for paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment if you're using lead-based paint. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin that you are using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines for the paint, as these will vary by type. Also, make sure to paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior-grade.

Window replacements can be expensive, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames can't be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome critters. If the break or crack isn't severe enough you can repair it yourself. It is best to fix small cracks as soon they happen, before they get worse with time or temperature changes.

There are a variety of ways to make broken glasses virtually invisible. However, this is not a project that can be done by a DIYer. Even a tiny chip could cause a weak spot to the glass, which could lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This covers it from the outside and stops moisture or air from seeping through, which can damage the frame or seals around windows.

Before putting on the plastic and putting on your protective eyewear and gloves, and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need a scraper, utility knife, or chisel to remove any glazing points that hold the glass in place. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then seal it with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can make use of epoxy to stick the glass back to its original position. This option is the most time-consuming, but will give your glass a more solid appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener in a similar way. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is applied to the window, 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 crucial to keep warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside in the summer. If you remove the window, the gases will escape and cause the glass to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method used for Window Repairs repairing cracks in other types of glass.