This Is The Ugly Reality About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a large drink set on your glass-topped table are among the many factors that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A broken window lets rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your home.

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

Water Damage

Water that is leaking out of the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. Moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows without damaging the strength of your existing frames.

Wood rot can affect both the outside and inside of your windows. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them, if they're not too much damaged. However, if the rot has spread to the mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes), they may need to be rebuilt. This can be more expensive than buying a new set.

Another common issue that requires replacement is a faulty seal between your double-paned windows. This can be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be an indication that your window's insulation has been damaged. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation built-in. This means they don't face the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

The ugly casings, like ones that are loose, cracked or rotten, as well as missing, can create other problems. A damaged casing alone doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, but. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood around it you may be able to sand or repaint it to improve its appearance.

If  window repair  isn't in good shape and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint could be all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a beautiful and practical improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window sills and frames are often close to the elements and suffer from the sun and rain. The peeling of paint around windows is caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. It's important to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint begin to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to prevent moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.

When paint begins to chip, it's the time to consider repairing your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. Utilizing a utility knife carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut into the underlying sheathing. Let the area dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.

After the area has dried then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that is ready for paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment if you're using paint based on lead. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any other surfaces, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.

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

Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. If your window frames can't be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to winds and rain, as well as bugs. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if it's not too big of a crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't get worse due to time or temperature changes.

There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses virtually invisible. However this isn't something that is achievable by DIYers. A tiny crack could create a weak point in the glass, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a more expensive replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This protects the crack from the outside and stops air or moisture from leaking through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Before putting on the plastic wear gloves and safety eyewear and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to take off the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. You should also use the knife to pry away any wood that is empty and then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the longest-lasting alternative, but it will also give your glass a more solid appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to determine exactly how much applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are intact when resetting the glass. These gases are important for insulating your home and ensuring that heat is kept in during the winter and out in the summer. If you remove the glass, those gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same procedure used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.