Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in windows can be caused by a small pebble by a lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window allows rain, wind insects, and other unwelcome elements to enter your house.

There are many ways to fix damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.

Water Damage

Water that is leaking out of your window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of the frame of your window. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames with no damage to them.

Wood rot is another problem that can affect both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with rotting areas, it may be possible to repair them if they are not too much damaged. However when the rot has reached the mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This may cost more than a new set of windows.

Another issue that is often required for replacement is a failed seal between double-paned windows. It could be a result of debris or window replacement condensation between the two panes, or it could be 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.

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

If your exterior casing is in bad shape It is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop moisture from causing damage to the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that is peeling or chipped

Window frames and sills are typically close to the elements, and they can take a lot abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Paint peeling around windows is mostly caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the outside. It is essential to scrape and sand the surface as soon as you see the paint begin to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.

When paint starts to peel off the window, it's time for repairing your window replacement. To catch any paint that might stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a fresh coat. Clean any paint that is loose with an utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut through the sheathing beneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

When the area is dry then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that is ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded area and tape off any other surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.

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

Window replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it could 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. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if you don't have too large crack or break. You should address small cracks right away prior to them getting more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.

There are a myriad of methods that claim to make broken glass invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip can cause a crack in the glass, which can lead to more breaks and costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This covers the crack from the outside and prevents moisture or air from seeping through, which can damage the frame or seals around windows.

Before putting on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety eyewear and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel, or scraper to cut off the old glazing points that secure the pane. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then seal it with Linseed or a clear sealer.

You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the slowest alternative, but it will also give your glass a more solid look. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener in a similar way. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured onto the window, which helps to ensure a strong seal.

When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are crucial for insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter months, and outside during summer. If you take the glass off the gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same procedure used to repair cracks in other types of glass.