Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass could be caused by a small pebble by the lawnmowers or a large beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A broken window allows rain, wind insects, and other undesirable elements to get into your home.

There are many ways to fix broken glass and stop it from spreading.

Water Damage

If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of the frame of your window. It can also compromise the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.

Wood rot can impact the outside and inside of your windows. If your windows made of wood have rotting spots, a repair may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. If the rot has gotten to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) it could be necessary to rebuild the windows. This can be more expensive than buying a new set.

A failed seal between double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be the result of debris or condensation between the two panes or it could indicate that your window's insulation has failed. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have insulation in them. They won't be afflicted with the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.

Casings that are ugly, such as ones that are cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, could cause other issues. A damaged casing does not necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, but. You may be able to sand it and repaint the casing to enhance its appearance based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.

If your exterior casing is damaged, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop moisture from causing damage to the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements and are prone to suffering from sunlight and rain. Peeling paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, especially when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood, and once it evaporates the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation inside, or rain and snow outside. It's important to sand and scrape the surface when you notice the paint chipping. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This helps to slow moisture penetration into the wood, which will help the new paint to stay better.

When paint begins to chip, it's the time to consider repairing your window. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.

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

Then, prime and paint according to instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the paint's can as they differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.

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 can't be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A damaged window can make your home vulnerable to wind, rain, bugs, and other unwanted creatures. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if it's not too severe of crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't get worse with time or temperature changes.

While there are many methods that claim to make damaged glass invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. Even a small chip can cause a crack in the glass, which can lead to more breaks and costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This covers it from the outside and blocks air or moisture from leaking through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Put on your protective glasses and gloves prior to removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll require an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that bind the pane in the frame. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then apply Linseed or a clear sealer.

The glass can be glued back into its original position with epoxy. This method is the longest-running however it will give your glass a more solid appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener equally. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured into the window, which helps to ensure a strong seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be sure that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter, and outside in summer. If you remove the glass the gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.