5 Laws That Will Help The Window Repair Industry

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped coffee table are just some of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A broken window can let rain, wind, bugs and other undesirable elements to infiltrate 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 necessary. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames with no damage to them.

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 in the event that the rot isn't advanced. However when the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This can be more expensive than buying a new set.

Another issue that often requires replacement is a faulty seal between double-paned windows. This can be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be an indication that your window's insulation has failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation in them. This means they don't face the same issues that older multi-paned windows.

A cracked, loose or rotting casings around your windows are not attractive and could cause other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. You might be able to sand Window Replacement it and repaint the casing to improve its appearance based on the condition and surrounding wood.

If the casing on the outside isn't in good shape and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint could be the best solution to stop moisture from destroying your window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Frames and window sills are usually close to the elements, which means they can take a lot wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Peeling paint around windows is caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation inside, or from snow and rain outside. It's important to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint chipping. Some meticulous painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.

If paint starts to chip, it's the time to consider repairing your window. Before you apply a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut through the underlying sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the surface is dry, sand the area again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a surface ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint make sure you use the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

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

Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing them. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window can leave your home open to wind, rain and bugs. If the crack or break isn't severe enough, you can repair it yourself. You should address small cracks immediately prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or time.

There are a myriad of methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip can cause a crack in the glass, which could lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This protects the crack from the outside and stops moisture or air from seeping through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.

Put on your safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. Utilize a utility knife, scraper or chisel, to remove the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. It is also recommended to use the knife to pry away any wood that is unfinished, then clean and seal that area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the longest-lasting method, but it can also give your glass a more substantial appearance. Choose the double glazing-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener in a similar way. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured onto the window, which can help ensure a solid seal.

When you are resetting double glazing or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are intact. These gases are essential to keep warm inside your home in the winter and outside in summer. If you take the glass off the gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced using the same method as to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.