Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown from the lawnmower or a large drink placed on your table with a glass top. A broken window allows wind, rain insects, and other undesirable elements to enter your house.

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

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows, a replacement is usually required. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of the frame of your window. It could also decrease 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 another problem that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they're not terribly damaged. However in the event that the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This can be more expensive than purchasing a new set.

A damaged seal between the double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be the result of debris or condensation between the two panes or it could indicate that the insulation in your window has failed. Many modern windows come with insulation built in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

Unattractive casings, such as ones that are cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, can create other issues. A damaged casing does not mean it's time to replace your windows, however. You might be able to sand it and repaint the casing to enhance its appearance, depending on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.

If the exterior casing isn't in good shape, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint could be all you need to keep moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casing to give an attractive and practical improvement to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer from rain and sunlight. The peeling of paint around windows is caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. Moisture may come from condensation inside, or from snow and rain outside. Whatever the cause it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative to the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiled oil before painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, allowing the new paint to hold better.

When paint starts to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. To remove any paint that has strayed, place a dropcloth or tarp over the area before applying a fresh coat. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut into the underlying sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.

Once the area is dry and dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base ready to accept paint. Use the proper safety equipment when you're using lead-based paint. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

Then paint, prime and then paint according to the directions on the specific paint tin you're using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the paint's can as they differ depending on the type. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior-grade.

window repairs replacements can be expensive, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it might be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.

Glass that has cracked

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to winds rain, insects and wind. If the crack or break isn't severe enough you can repair it yourself. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't become worse as time passes or temperature changes.

There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses virtually invisible. However, this is not a project that can be done by DIYers. A tiny crack could create a weak point in the window, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This covers the crack from the outside and stops air or moisture from getting through, which could damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Before putting on the plastic wear gloves and safety glasses and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Utilize a utility knife scraper, chisel, or scraper to take off the old glazing points that secure the pane. You should also make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is bare and then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or glazing a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into place with epoxy. This is the longest-lasting option, but it will also give your glass a more substantial look. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured into the window, which will help ensure a solid seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows be certain that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are crucial to insulate your home and ensuring that heat is kept in the winter months and out during summer. If you take the window off, the gases escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced using the same method as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.