Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are among the many factors that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window may allow wind, rain bugs and other harmful elements to infiltrate your home.

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

Water Damage

If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. Moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.

Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with rotting areas, it may be possible to fix them if they're not too far gone. If the rot has reached your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) it could be necessary to rebuild the windows. This could be more expensive than buying a new set.

Another common issue that requires replacement is a failed seal between the double panes of your windows. It could be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has failed. Modern windows have insulation built in. They won't face the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.

Casings that are ugly, such as those that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, can create various issues. A damaged casing does not mean it's time to replace your windows, though. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it you might be able to sand and repaint it to enhance its appearance.

If the exterior casing isn't in great condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint might be the best solution to stop moisture from destroying your window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer from rain and repairmywindowsanddoors sunlight. Peeling paint around windows is caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood, and when it evaporates, repairmywindowsanddoors the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior or from snow and rain outside. Regardless of the source it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint the area as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preserver 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 stick better.

If the paint begins to chip off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any stray drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility blade. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut the sheathing underneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

After the area has dried, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that is ready for paint. Use the proper safety equipment when you're using paint based on lead. Clean the sanded area and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.

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

Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are beyond repair, however, it could be worth upgrading them to newer, more energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to winds and rain, as well as bugs. You may be tempted to replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if you don't have too severe of a crack or break. You should address small cracks immediately, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.

There are a variety of ways to make broken glasses almost invisible. But, this is not something that can be done by a DIYer. A small crack can cause a weakness in the window, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a costly replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with plastic. It covers it from the outside and stops air or moisture from getting through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.

Put on your safety glasses and Repairmywindowsanddoors gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to cut off the old glazing points that secure the pane. It is also recommended to employ the knife to cut away any wood that is bare and then clean and seal the area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the most time-intensive alternative, but it will also give your glass a more robust look. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy that is applied to the window, which will help to ensure a strong seal.

If you have double glazing Swanley or triple-pane windows be certain that the gas fills are intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are crucial to keep the heat inside your home during the winter, and outside during summer. If you take the window off the gasses escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method used to repair cracks in other types of glass.