Why Window Repair Is Necessary

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

There are methods to repair a cracked glass and stop it from spreading.

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically required. The moisture could damage the wood in the window frame and cause rot. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window company can replace your windows, without compromising the integrity of your existing frames.

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

A deteriorated seal between double-paned windows is another common problem that requires replacement. It could be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could indicate that your window's insulation has failed. A lot of modern windows have insulation built-in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older multi-paned windows.

The ugly casings, like those that are damaged, cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, can cause other issues. A damaged casing does not necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, but. You might be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance, depending on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.

If your exterior casing is in poor condition it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to keep moisture from causing damage to the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and are prone to suffering from rain and sunlight. The peeling of paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, especially when exposed wood is involved. 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 snow and rain outside. Whatever the cause, it's important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This will help slow moisture penetration into the wood, which will help the new paint to stick better.

When paint starts to peel off, it's time to repair your window. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any scattered drops of paint. With a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the area has dried, sand again with a fine sanding pad. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a base ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints make sure you use the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

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

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

Cracked glass

A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to winds, rain and bugs. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if it's not too large crack or break. Repair small cracks immediately prior to them getting more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.

While there are many methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip could create a weak spot in the glass, which could result in more breakage and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, preventing air or moisture from getting through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.

Before putting on the plastic, put on your protective eyewear and gloves, and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll require a scraper, utility knife or chisel for removing any glazing points that hold the pane in position. You should also make use of the knife to pull away any wood that is empty and then clean and seal the area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This method is the most time-consuming but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double glazed window repairs-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass which ensures a strong seal.

If you have double glazed window repairs or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential to insulate your home and ensuring that heat stays inside the winter months and out in the summer. If you remove the glass these gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same procedure used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.