The Ugly Reality About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

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

While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible but there are ways to fix it and stop it from getting worse.

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. Moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.

Wood rot is another problem that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they're not too much damaged. However when the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This can cost more than a new set of windows.

Another issue that is often required for replacement is a faulty seal between your double glazing-paned windows. This could be due to condensation or debris between the double-paned windows or it could be a sign that the insulation inside your window has gone out of date. Modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't face the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.

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

If the exterior casing isn't in good condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint might be all you need to stop moisture from destroying your window. Installing new exterior casing can be a beautiful and practical improvement to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Window frames and sills are typically close to the elements, and they can take a lot damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the main reason for paint peeling around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation inside, or snow and rain outside. It is essential to scrape and sand the surface when you notice the paint chipping. Some skilled artists apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and allow the paint to hold better.

If the paint begins to chip off, it's time to repair your window. To catch any paint that has strayed on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp on the surface before applying a fresh coat. Remove any loose paint with an utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the area is dry, sand it again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that is ready for paint. Use the proper safety equipment when you're using lead-based paint. Tape off any surfaces near to the sanded region, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to the directions on the specific paint tin you're using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the can of paint, as they will vary depending on the type. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior-grade.

Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing them. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.

Glass that has cracked

A damaged window can make your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwelcome creatures. If the break or crack is not too severe, you can repair it yourself. 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 broken glasses virtually invisible. However this isn't something that can be completed by an amateur. Even a small chip can cause a crack in the glass, which can lead to more breaks and costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This will cover the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from getting through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.

Before putting on the plastic wear gloves and safety glasses and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need to use a scraper, utility knife or chisel for removing any glazing points that pin the glass in the frame. It is also recommended to use the knife to pry away any wood that is bare and then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This is the most time-consuming, but will give your glass a more solid appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder version that disperses 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 be sure that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are essential for insulating your home and ensuring that heat is kept in during the winter and out in summer. If you take the window off, the gases will escape and cause the glass to reduce its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced in the same way as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.