9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window repairs near me lets rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your home.

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

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. Moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It can also compromise the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows, without compromising the structural integrity of your current frames.

Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has reached your mullions and muntins (the parts of the upvc window repair frame that support your glass panes), you may need to rebuild the windows. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.

A damaged seal between the double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be caused by condensation or debris between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation in your window has failed. Many modern windows come with insulation built in. They won't face the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.

Unattractive casings, such as those that are cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, can cause other issues. A damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, though. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the surrounding wood you might be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance.

If the exterior casing of your home is damaged it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to stop moisture from damaging the window. Installing new exterior casing can be an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

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

If paint starts to crack, it's time for a window repair (sources). Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to slash the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that's ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paints ensure you're using proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces close to the sanded surface, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according the instructions on the tin that you are using. Make sure to adhere to the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can as they will differ according to the type of paint. Also, make sure to paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.

Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair however, it could be worth upgrading them to more modern, more energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to wind, rain and bugs. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if it's not too big of a crack or break. You should address small cracks right away, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.

While there are numerous methods that claim to make damaged glass invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. A small crack can create a weak point in the glass, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a more expensive replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This covers the crack from the outside and stops air or moisture from getting through, which can harm the frame or seals around the windows.

Before putting on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety glasses and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. Utilize a utility knife, scraper or chisel, to take off the old glazing points that secure the pane. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then finish it off with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.

You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the slowest option, but it will also give your glass a more robust look. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener in a similar way. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which will ensure a solid seal.

If you have double glazed window repairs near me or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are essential to insulate your home and ensuring that heat stays inside during winter and out during summer. If you remove the window, the gases will escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.