Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown by a lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window may let rain, wind, bugs and other undesirable elements to infiltrate your home.

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

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically required. The moisture can damage the wood in the frame of your window and cause the frame to rot. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames with no damage to them.

Wood rot is another issue that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If your windows are made of wood and have rotting spots repairs may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has spread to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) You may have to rebuild the windows. This can be more costly than buying a new set.

A deteriorated seal between double-paned windows is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or a sign that the insulation of your window has gone out of date. Many modern windows come with insulation built in. This means they can't experience the same issues that older multi-paned windows.

The ugly casings, like ones that are cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, can create other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it you may be able to sand and repaint it to improve its appearance.

If your exterior casing is in bad shape it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to keep moisture from causing damage to the window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a beautiful and practical upgrade to your home.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements, and they are subject to a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for paint peeling around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior, or from rain and snow on the exterior. It's important to scrape and sand the surface when you notice the paint begin to chip. Some meticulous painters add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to prevent moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.

If paint starts to chip, it's the time for a window repair. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut into the sheathing underneath. Let the area dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.

Once the area is dry 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 for painting. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use the appropriate safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any adjacent surfaces, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.

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

Window replacement can be costly However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair however, it might be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.

Cracked glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind rain, insects and wind. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if you don't have too big of a crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they occur, before they become worse as time passes or temperature changes.

There are a variety of ways to make broken glasses almost invisible. However, this is not a project that is achievable by DIYers. A small crack can create a weak spot in the window, which can eventually lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with plastic. It covers it from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which could damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Before putting on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety glasses and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need a scraper, utility knife or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that hold the pane in position. You should also use the knife to pry away any wood that is bare, then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the most time consuming, but will give your glass a more substantial appearance. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass which ensures a strong seal.

When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are important to insulate your home and keeping heat in during the winter and out during summer. If you take the glass off the gases will escape through the crack and cause the upvc window repairs to lose energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills using the same method as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.