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 glass-topped table. A damaged window could allow wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.

Although it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible but there are ways to fix it and stop it from becoming worse.

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows, a replacement is usually required. The moisture can cause damage to the wood of the window frame and cause the frame to rot. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window company will replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.

Wood rot is another issue that can affect 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. However when 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 windows.

Another issue that often 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 a sign that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have the insulation built into them. They won't face the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.

Casings that are ugly, such as those that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, can cause other problems. A damaged casing does not mean it's time to replace your windows, but. You may be able to sand it and repaint it to make it look better in accordance with the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.

If the casing on the outside isn't in good shape and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint might be the best solution to stop moisture from destroying your window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a stylish and practical 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. Moisture is the main reason for paint peeling around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood and when it evaporates the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture may come from condensation in the interior or from snow and rain outside. It is important to sand and scrape the surface when you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preserver to the bare wood and thinned boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, allowing the new paint to stick better.

If the paint begins to chip off, it's time to repair your window. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any loose 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. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.

Once the area is dry, sand it again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that's ready for painting. If you're working with lead-based paint make sure you use proper safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin you are using. Be sure to follow the curing and temperature guidelines for the paint as they will differ according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade paint.

Window replacement can be costly, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window repairs frames are unable to be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A broken window can leave your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind bugs, and other unwanted creatures. You may be tempted to replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if there isn't too big of a crack or break. Repair small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.

There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses appear as if they are not there. But this isn't something that can be completed by a DIYer. A small crack can cause a weakness in the window, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a larger replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from getting through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass off the frame. You'll require a utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that pin the pane in the frame. Also, you should use the knife to pry away any wood that is empty and then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be put back in its original position by using epoxy. This is the longest-lasting alternative, but it will also give your glass a more robust look. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to determine exactly how much applied to the glass, which ensures a strong seal.

When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are vital to keep heat inside your home in the winter, and outside during summer. If you remove the window, the gases 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 kinds of glass.