Why Window Repair Is Necessary

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

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

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows, a replacement is usually necessary. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of your window frame. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames with no damage to them.

Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the interior and exterior of your window repairs. If you have windows made of wood with decaying areas, it might be possible to repair them if they are not terribly damaged. However in the event that the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This could cost more than a new set windows.

Another issue that is often required for replacement is a faulty seal between the double panes of your windows. This can be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Many modern windows come with insulation built in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older multi-paned windows.

Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casings around your windows are not attractive and could cause other problems. A damaged casing doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, however. Depending on the condition of your casing and the surrounding wood, you may be able to sand or paint it to improve its appearance.

If the exterior casing isn't in great condition, a new layer of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to keep moisture from damaging your window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements, and they can take a lot wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main reason for the peeling of paint around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure below the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture may come from condensation in the interior or from snow and rain outside. It's important to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint chipping. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative on the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, allowing the new paint to hold better.

If paint starts to chip, it's the time for a window repair. To capture any paint that might stray, place a dropcloth or tarp on the surface before applying a fresh coat. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut the underlying sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

After the area is dry, sand the area again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that is ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according the instructions on the tin you are using. Make sure to adhere to the curing and temperature guidelines for the paint as they differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.

Window replacements can be expensive, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it might be worth upgrading them to more modern windows that are more energy efficient.

Cracked Glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain bugs, and other unwanted critters. If the crack or break isn't too serious you can fix it yourself. It is important to address small cracks right away, before they become worse due to temperature changes or time.

While there are many methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. A tiny crack could create a weak spot in the glass, which could result in further cracks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This covers the crack from the outside, preventing air or moisture from passing through. This can damage the frames or window repair seals around windows.

Before you put on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety glasses and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. Utilize a utility knife, scraper or chisel, to cut off the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. It is also recommended to employ the knife to cut away any wood that is empty, then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the most time-intensive method, but it can also give your glass a more robust appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener equally. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass which ensures a strong seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are intact when resetting the glass. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter months, and outside in summer. If you take the window off the gasses will escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method used to repair cracks in other types of glass.