What's The Ugly Facts About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers, or a heavy beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A broken window allows rain, wind insects, and other undesirable elements to enter your house.

There are ways to repair damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically necessary. Moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window company can replace your windows without destroying the integrity of your existing frames.

Wood rot is a different issue that can affect both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with rotting areas, repaired it may be possible to fix them if they're not terribly damaged. If the rot has gotten to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to replace the windows. This can be more costly than buying a new set.

A damaged seal between double-paned window panes is another issue that requires replacement. This can be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be an indication that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't have the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.

The ugly casings, like those that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, could cause other issues. A damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, but. You might be able to sand it and then repaint it to improve its appearance, depending on the condition and surrounding wood.

If the casing on the outside isn't in good condition and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be all you need to stop moisture from destroying your window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements, and they are subject to a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. The peeling of paint around windows is caused by moisture, and is particularly so if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure under the film of paint causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior or snow and rain outside. It is essential to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint chipping. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative to the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into the wood, repaired which will help the new paint to stay better.

If paint starts to chip, it's time to repair your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility blade. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut through the sheathing underneath. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.

Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready for painting. Use the correct safety equipment if you're using lead-based paint. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according the instructions on the tin that you are using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint, as they will vary according to the type of paint you're using. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior-grade.

repairing double glazed windows damaged or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window can leave your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind, bugs, and other unpleasant creatures. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if there isn't too big of a crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they occur, before they get worse due to time 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 a DIYer. Even a small chip can cause a crack in the glass, which can lead to more breaks and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This protects it from the outside and stops air or moisture from leaking through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need to use a scraper, utility knife or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that pin the pane into the frame. You should also employ the knife to cut out any wood that is unfinished, then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be put back in the position by using epoxy. This option is the longest-running but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.

When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are intact. These gases are essential for insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter, and outside in summer. If you take the window off, the gases will escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills by using the same procedure to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.