Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by a lawnmower or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped coffee table are one of the many things that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window could let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to infiltrate your home.

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

Water Damage

The sight of water leaking through your window frame is a sign that you should replace it. Moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company can replace your windows without destroying the integrity of your existing frames.

Wood rot is a different issue that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If your windows are made of wood and have rotting spots, a repair 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 the frame of your window that hold the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This may cost more than a new set of windows.

Another common issue that requires replacement is a damaged seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation inside your window is failing. A lot of modern windows have insulation built in. They won't face the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.

The ugly casings, like those that are loose, cracked or rotten, or even missing, can create other issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it, you may be able to sand and paint it to improve its appearance.

If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to keep water from destroying the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

Frames and window sills are typically close to the elements, which means they take a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior, or from snow and rain outside. It is important to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint chipping. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiling oil prior to painting. This helps to slow moisture penetration into the wood, allowing the new paint to stay better.

If paint starts to crack, it's time for a window repair. Before you apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility blade. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut the sheathing underneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a base that is ready to receive paint. Use the correct safety equipment when using paint that is based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin that you are using. Make sure to adhere to the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint, as these will vary depending on the type. Make sure you paint the exterior 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 inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.

Cracked Glass

A broken window can leave your home open to wind and rain, as well as bugs. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if it's not too large a crack or break. Repair small cracks immediately before they get worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.

While there are many methods that claim to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. Even a small chip can cause a crack in the glass, which can lead to more breaks and costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from getting through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.

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

The glass can be put back in place by using epoxy. This method is the most time consuming, but will give your glass a more robust appearance. If you are using epoxy, [empty] select the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you precisely control how much epoxy is poured into the window, which can help ensure a solid seal.

When resetting double glazed window repairs near me- or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are essential to insulate your home and keeping heat in during winter and out during summer. If you remove the glass these gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method that is used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.