The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped table are some of the many things that can cause cracks in window glass. A broken window can let rain, window repair wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to infiltrate your home.

While it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from getting worse.

Water Damage

Water that is leaking out of your window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture could damage the wood in the frame of your window and cause rot. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window company will replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.

Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have wood windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to fix them if they are not terribly damaged. However in the event that the rot has spread to the mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This can cost more than a new set windows.

Another issue that is often required for replacement is a failed seal between your double glazed window repairs-paned windows. It could be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could be an indication that the insulation in your window has failed. Modern windows have insulation built in. This means they don't face the same issues as older multi-paned windows.

A cracked, loose or rotting casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it, you may be able to sand and repaint it to improve its appearance.

If the exterior casing isn't in good shape, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint could be all you need to keep moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and practical improvement to your home.

Paint that has peeled or chipped

Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements, and they take a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. Paint peeling around windows is primarily caused by moisture, particularly if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood and when it evaporates the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior or snow and rain outside. It is important to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-resistant 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.

When paint begins to chip, it's the time for a window repair. To catch any paint that might stray, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a fresh coat. Remove any loose paint with an utility knife. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut through the sheathing beneath. Allow the area to 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 surface that is ready for paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when using paint that is based on lead. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any other surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.

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

Window replacement can be costly However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is relatively affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, it could be worth upgrading them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.

Glass that has cracked

A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain bugs, and other unpleasant critters. You may be tempted to replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if it's not too big of a crack or break. Repair small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they become worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.

There are a myriad of methods to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. A small crack can create a weak point in the glass, which could result in further cracks and a more expensive replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This covers it from the outside and blocks air or moisture from getting through, which can damage the frame or seals around windows.

Before you put on the plastic wear gloves and safety glasses and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll require a utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any old glazing points that hold the pane into place. Utilize the knife to cut away any bare wood, then apply linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be put back in its original position with epoxy. This method is the most time consuming however it will give your glass a more solid appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double glazed window repairs-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which will ensure a solid seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows be sure that the gas fills are intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are vital for insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter and outside in the summer. If you remove the glass the gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.