Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are just one of the many things that can cause cracks in glass windows. A damaged window may allow wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome elements to enter your home.

While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible, there are ways to repair it and stop it from becoming worse.

Water Damage

Water that is leaking out of the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. Moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. 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 can affect both the outside and inside of your windows. If your wood windows have spots of rotting repairs may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. However in the event that the rot has spread to your mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This could cost more than a new set of windows.

Another common issue that requires replacement is a failed seal between your double-paned windows. It could be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be an indication that your window's insulation has failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation built into them. This means they can't experience the same issues as older multi-paned windows.

A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other problems. A damaged casing doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, but. 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 great condition, a new layer of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to stop moisture from destroying your window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a stylish and practical upgrade to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements and are prone to suffering from the sun and rain. Paint peeling around windows is primarily caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation inside, or snow and rain outside. Regardless of the source it's essential to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil the bare wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.

If paint starts to chip, it's the time to repair your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility blade. Be careful not to slash the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

After the area has dried and replaced dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints ensure you're using proper safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it like baseboards to shield them from paint.

Then paint, prime and then paint according to the directions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the paint's can because they'll differ depending on the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade paint.

Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing them. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind and rain, as well as bugs. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if you don't have too large a crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they happen, before they become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.

There are many ways to make damaged glasses almost invisible. But, this is not something that can be completed by DIYers. A tiny crack could create a weak point in the glass, which could result in further cracks and a larger replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This covers the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from getting through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.

Before you put on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety glasses and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. You'll require a scraper, utility knife, or chisel to remove any glazing points that hold the pane in place. You should also make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is empty, then clean and seal the area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into the position using epoxy. This is the most time-intensive alternative, but it will also give your glass a more solid look. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double glazing repairs-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you precisely control how much epoxy is applied to the window, which helps ensure a good seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are important for insulating your house and replaced ensuring that heat is kept in during winter and out during summer. If you remove the window, the gases escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills by using the same procedure to repair cracks in other types of glass.