Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass could be caused by a small pebble by the lawnmowers, or a heavy beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A damaged window may let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to enter your home.

While it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible but there are ways to repair it and prevent it from spreading further.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows, a replacement is usually required. The moisture could damage the wood in the frame of your window and cause rot. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows, without compromising the strength of your existing frames.

Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have wood windows with decaying areas, it might be possible to repair them, if they're not too far gone. However in the event that the rot has spread to your muntins or mullions (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This can be more expensive than buying a new set.

A damaged seal between the double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. It could be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could be an indication that the insulation in your window has failed. A lot of modern windows have insulation built in. They won't have the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.

A cracked, loose or rotting casings around your windows are not attractive and could cause other issues. A damaged casing alone doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, however. You might be able to sand it and repaint it to make it look better in accordance with the condition of the wood and the surrounding.

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 keep moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements, which means they take a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Paint peeling around windows is primarily caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior, or from rain and snow on the exterior. No matter the source it's essential to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.

When paint begins to chip, it's time for a window repair. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any stray drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut through the underlying sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the surface has dried, sand again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready to accept paint. Use the proper safety equipment if you're using paint based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

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

Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. If your window repairs near me frames are unable to be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A damaged window can make your home vulnerable to rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome creatures. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if it's not too big of crack or break. You should address small cracks as soon as you notice them prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.

While there are numerous methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. A small crack can cause a weakness in the window, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a larger replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This covers the crack from the outside, which stops moisture or air from leaking through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass off the frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel, or scraper to cut off the old glazing points that secure the pane. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then finish it off with Linseed or a clear sealer.

The glass can be glued back into the position by using epoxy. This method is the longest-running but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener in a similar way. This allows you to precisely control how much epoxy is poured into the window, which can help to ensure a strong seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter, and outside in summer. If you remove the window, the gases will escape and cause the glass to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills by using the same procedure to repair cracks in other types of glass.