10 Quick Tips About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink placed on your table with a glass top. A window that is damaged allows rain, wind insects, and other undesirable elements to enter your house.

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

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture could damage the wood inside the frame of your window and cause the frame to rot. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames with no damage to them.

Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If your wood windows have rotting spots, a repair may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. If the rot has reached your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) You may have to rebuild them. This could cost more than a new set windows.

A deteriorated seal between 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 your window's insulation has been damaged. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation in them. This means that they won't have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

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

If your exterior casing is in bad shape it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to keep water from destroying the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and practical improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Frames and window sills are typically close to the elements, which means they are subject to a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Paint peeling around windows is primarily caused by moisture, especially when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure in the paint film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. It's important to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint chipping. Some skilled artists add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.

If paint starts to crack, it's time for a window repair. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. With a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut into the sheathing underneath. 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 prepare the surface to receive primer and create a surface ready to accept paint. Use the proper safety equipment when you're using paint based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according to instructions on the tin you are using. Make sure to adhere to the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can as they will differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade.

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

Cracked glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain and bugs. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if it's not too big of crack or break. It is important to address small cracks as soon as you notice them before they get more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.

There are many ways to make damaged glasses appear as if they are not there. However, this is not a project that can be done by a DIYer. Even a tiny chip can cause a crack in the glass, which could lead to more breaks and costly replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from passing through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.

Wear protective glasses and gloves prior to removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to use an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any old glazing points that pin the pane into place. It is also recommended to employ the knife to cut away any wood that is bare and then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into place using epoxy. This is the most time-intensive alternative, but it will also give your glass a more substantial look. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass which ensures a strong seal.

If you have double glazing repair- or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are crucial to insulate your home and keeping heat in during the winter and out in the summer. If you remove the glass, those gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.