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 damaged window may let rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to enter your home.

Although it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from getting worse.

Water Damage

Water that is leaking out of the window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can damage the wood of the window frame and cause the frame to rot. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows, without compromising the structural integrity of your current frames.

Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If you have wooden windows with decaying areas, it might be possible to repair them if they're not terribly damaged. However, if the rot has spread to the mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This could be more expensive than buying a new set.

A damaged seal between the double-paned window panes is a different issue 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. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have insulation built into them. They won't have the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.

Casings that are ugly, such as ones that are loose, cracked, rotten, or missing, can cause other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the surrounding wood you may be able to sand or repaint it to enhance its appearance.

If the casing on the outside isn't in great condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint might be all you need to keep moisture from damaging your window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements, so they take a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure in the film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior or rain and snow outside. It's important to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint begin to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative to the bare wood and thinned boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce moisture penetration into the wood, allowing the new paint to stick better.

If the paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. To remove any paint that has strayed onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a new coat. With a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut the sheathing beneath. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.

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

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

Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer, more energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind and rain, as well as bugs. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if there isn't too large crack or break. You should address small cracks right away prior to them getting more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.

There are a variety of ways to make broken glasses almost invisible. However, this is not a project that can be done by an amateur. Even a tiny chip can cause a crack in the glass, which can result in more breakage and a costly replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This covers it from the outside and stops moisture or air from seeping through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll require an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any old glazing points that hold the glass in the frame. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then seal it with linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into its original position with epoxy. This method is the longest-running but it will give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, read more make sure that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are essential for insulating your home and keeping heat in during winter and out in the summer. If you remove the window, the gases escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method that is used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.