13 Things About Window Repair You May Not Have Known

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble that was thrown from the lawnmower or a large drink placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window may let rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.

There are methods to repair broken glass and stop it from spreading.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture can damage the wood of your window frame and cause rot. It can also compromise the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.

Wood rot is a different issue that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting it is possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. However in the event that the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This may cost more than a new set windows.

Another common issue that requires replacement is a failed seal between double-paned windows. This could be caused by the condensation or the accumulation of debris between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation inside your window is failing. Fortunately, many modern windows have insulation built into them. They won't face the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.

Casings that are ugly, such as ones that are cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, can create other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You might be able to sand it and repaint the casing to enhance its appearance, depending on the condition and surrounding wood.

If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to keep moisture from damaging the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer a lot from sunlight and rain. The peeling of paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation inside, or rain and snow outside. It is important to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to prevent moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.

When paint begins to crack, it's time to consider repairing your window. To capture any paint that might stray, place a dropcloth or tarp over the area before applying a new coat. Remove any loose paint with a utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut through the sheathing beneath. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.

Once the area is dry then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a surface ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces near to the sanded region, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

Then paint and prime according to the directions on the specific tin of paint you're using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the can of paint because they'll differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.

Window replacement can be costly Repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and a good 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 leaves your home vulnerable to wind rain, insects and wind. You may be tempted to replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if it's not too big of crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon they happen, before they get worse with time or temperature changes.

There are a myriad of methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible, this is a tall task for a DIY. A tiny crack could create a weak point in the window, which could result in further cracks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This covers the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from passing through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.

Before putting on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety glasses and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need to use a utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that pin the pane in place. Use the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then seal it with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into its original position by using epoxy. This is the slowest method, but it can also give your glass a more substantial appearance. When using epoxy, choose 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 will ensure a solid seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter, and outside in the summer. If you remove the glass the gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced using the same method as to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.