We've Had Enough! 15 Things About Window Repair We're Overhe…

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble that was thrown by the lawnmowers, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A window that is damaged allows wind, rain insects, and other undesirable elements to get into your home.

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

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture can cause damage to the wood of your window frame and cause the frame to rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.

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

A damaged seal between double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be caused by condensation or debris that has formed between your double-paned windows, or it could be a sign that the insulation inside your window has failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't have the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.

Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it, you may be able to sand it and paint it to enhance its appearance.

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

Paint chipped or peeling

Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements, which means they can take a lot abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Moisture is the main cause for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior, or from rain and snow on the outside. Regardless of the source, it's important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some meticulous painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and make the new paint hold better.

When paint starts to chip off, it's time to repair your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut the sheathing beneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the area is dry and dry, you can sand it with 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 proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

Then paint, prime and then paint as directed on the specific tin of paint you're using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the can of paint, as they will vary according to the type of paint you're using. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade.

Window replacements can be expensive, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames can't be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Glass that has cracked

A broken window can leave your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind bugs, and other unpleasant creatures. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if you don't have too severe of crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they occur, before they become worse as time passes or temperature changes.

There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses appear as if they are not there. But this isn't an easy task that can be done by DIYers. Even a tiny chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which could result in more breakage and an expensive replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, and prevents moisture or air from leaking through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.

Put on your safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass off the frame. You'll need to use a scraper, utility knife, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is bare and then clean and seal the area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into place by using epoxy. This 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 model that distributes the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured onto the window, which can help ensure a solid seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows, make certain that the gas fills are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are vital to keep warm inside your home in the winter and outside during summer. If you remove the window the gasses will escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced in the same way as to repair cracks on other types of glass.