A Proficient Rant About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in windows can be caused by a small pebble from the lawnmower or a large beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window could allow wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.

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

Water Damage

Water seeping through the window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can cause damage to the wood of the frame of your window and cause the frame to rot. It can also compromise the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window company will replace your windows, without compromising the strength of your existing frames.

Wood rot can affect the outside and inside of your windows. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. However in the event that the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes) They may have to be replaced. This could be more expensive than buying a new set.

Another issue that often requires replacement is a failed seal between double-paned windows. This can 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. Modern windows have insulation built-in. This means they don't face the same issues that older multi-paned windows.

Casings that are ugly, such as those that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, can create other issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You may be able sand it and repaint the casing to make it look better based on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.

If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to stop moisture from causing damage to the window. Installing new exterior casing can be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements and are prone to suffering from sunlight and rain. The peeling of paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, and is particularly so if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure below the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture may come from condensation in the interior or rain and snow outside. Regardless of the source it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint the area as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.

If paint starts to crack, it's time for a window repair. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using an utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

After the area is dry, sand double glazing repairs the area again with a fine sanding pad. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a surface ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using the proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.

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

Window replacement can be costly, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome critters. If the crack or break isn't severe enough you can fix it yourself. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they occur, before they get worse due to time or temperature fluctuations.

While there are many methods that claim to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. A tiny crack could create a weak point in the window, which can 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 it from the outside and blocks air or moisture from leaking through, which can harm the frame or seals around windows.

Before you put on the plastic wear protective eyewear and gloves, and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that pin the glass in position. Utilize the knife to cut away any bare wood, then apply linseed or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This option is the most time consuming however it will give your glass a more solid appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to determine exactly how much applied to the glass which ensures a strong seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows, make certain that the gas fills are intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are crucial to keep the heat inside your home during the winter, and outside in summer. If you remove the glass these gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as to repair cracks on other types of glass.