Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass could be caused by a small pebble by the lawnmowers or a large drink placed on the table that has a glass top. A damaged window may allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to get into your home.

Although it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from spreading further.

Water Damage

Water seeping through the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. Moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.

Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the inside and exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. If the rot has spread to the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window repairs frame that support your glass panes), you may need to rebuild them. This can be more expensive than buying a brand new set.

Another issue that often requires replacement is a failed seal between double-paned windows. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be an indication that the insulation in your window has failed. Modern windows have insulation built in. They won't face the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.

A cracked, loose or rotting casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the surrounding wood you might be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance.

If the casing on the outside isn't in good condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint could be the best solution to keep moisture from damaging your window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a stylish and practical 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 window repair sunlight. The peeling of paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation inside, or snow and rain outside. Whatever the cause it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative to the bare wood and thinned boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow moisture penetration into the wood, allowing the new paint to stay better.

If paint starts to crack, it's time for a window repair. To catch any paint that has strayed on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area before applying a fresh coat. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using an utility knife. Be careful not gouge the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the area is dry, sand the area again with a fine sanding pad. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a substrate ready to accept paint. Use the proper safety equipment if you're using lead-based paint. Clean the sanded area and tape off any adjacent surfaces, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according the instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the paint's can because they'll differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade.

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

Cracked glass

A broken window can leave your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome critters. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if there isn't too large a crack or break. Repair small cracks as soon as you notice them before they get worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.

There are a myriad of methods that claim to make damaged glass invisible but this is an extremely high order for a DIY project. Even a small chip can cause a crack in the glass, which could cause more breaks and costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This will cover the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from getting through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.

Before you put on the plastic wear protective eyewear and gloves, and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need to use an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that hold the pane in position. It is also recommended to employ the knife to cut away any wood that is bare, then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This is the slowest method, but it can also give your glass a more substantial look. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener in a similar way. This allows you to precisely control how much epoxy is applied to the window, which will help to ensure a strong seal.

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