9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are just some of the many things that can cause cracks in window glass. A broken window allows wind, rain insects, and other undesirable elements to enter your house.

While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and stop it from spreading further.

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically required. Moisture can cause rot to the wooden frame of your window. It also can 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 is a different issue that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with rotting areas, it may be possible to fix them if they are not terribly damaged. However, if the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This could cost more than a new set of windows.

A damaged seal between double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. 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 been damaged. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. This means they don't face the same issues as older multi-paned windows.

Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other issues. A damaged casing does not necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, though. You may be able sand it and then repaint it to enhance its appearance based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.

If the exterior casing isn't in great condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior window repair paint could be all you need to prevent moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer a lot from sunlight and rain. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure in the paint film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation in the interior or snow and rain outside. It's important to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint begin to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preserver to the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, which will help the new paint to stay better.

If paint starts to chip, it's the time for a window repair. Before you apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. With a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

After the area has dried and dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a base ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to the directions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Make sure you follow the curing and temperature guidelines for the paint as they will differ by type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.

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

Glass that has cracked

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwelcome critters. If the break or crack is not too severe you can repair it yourself. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they occur, before they become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.

While there are numerous methods to make damaged glass invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. Even a small crack will create a weak spot in the glass, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This covers the crack from the outside, which stops moisture or air from leaking through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.

Put on your protective glasses and gloves prior to removing the broken glass from the frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to cut off the old glazing points that secure the pane. It is also recommended to employ the knife to cut out any wood that is bare, then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into place with epoxy. This is the most time-intensive method, but it can also give your glass a more robust look. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener equally. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured into the window, which helps to ensure a strong seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows be certain that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are crucial to insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter months, and outside in summer. If you remove the glass the gases escape through the crack and cause the upvc window repair to lose efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced using the same method as for repairing cracks on other kinds of glass.