Solutions To Problems With Window Repair

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 the table that has a glass top. A damaged window allows rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your house.

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

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. The 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 replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.

Wood rot can impact the exterior and interior of your windows. If you have wood windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they're not too much damaged. However in the event that the rot has spread to your mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes) They may have to be rebuilt. This can be more costly than buying a brand new set.

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

Unattractive casings, such as ones that are loose, cracked, rotten, or missing, could cause other issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the surrounding wood you may be able to sand or repaint it to improve its appearance.

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

Paint that is peeling or chipped

Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements and are prone to suffering from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main reason for paint peeling around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure in the film of paint causes it to loose adhesion and peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. Whatever the cause, it's important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative on the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, allowing the new paint to hold better.

If the paint begins to chip off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with an utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut the sheathing beneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

After the area has dried then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin you are using. Make sure to adhere to the temperature and curing guidelines for the paint, as these will vary depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.

Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing them. If your window frames can't be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to winds, rain and bugs. 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 is important to address small cracks immediately, before they become worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.

There are a myriad of methods to make damaged glass invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. A small crack can cause a weakness in the glass, which could result in further cracks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from getting through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.

Before putting on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety glasses and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. You'll require a utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that pin the pane into place. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then apply linseed or a clear wood sealer.

You can then make use of epoxy to stick the glass back into place. This is the most time consuming however it will give your glass a more robust appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to precisely control how much epoxy is poured into the window, which will help ensure a solid seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be sure that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are vital to insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter and outside in summer. If you remove the window the gasses will escape and cause the glass to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills by using the same procedure to repair cracks in other types of glass.