9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are among the many factors that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window could allow wind, rain bugs and other harmful elements to infiltrate your home.

There are ways to repair 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 damage the wood inside your window frame and cause the frame to rot. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable upvc window repairs company can replace your windows, without compromising the structural integrity of your current frames.

Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the inside and exterior of your window. If your wood windows have rotting spots, a repair may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. However, if the rot has spread to 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 purchasing a new set.

A deteriorated seal between double-paned windows is another issue that requires replacement. This could be caused by condensation or debris between the double-paned windows or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window is failing. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have insulation built into them. They won't face the same problems as older windows with multiple panes.

Unattractive casings, such as ones that are loose, cracked or rotten, or even missing, can cause other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You may be able to sand it and repaint the casing to make it look better, depending on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.

If the exterior casing of your home is damaged, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to prevent moisture from damaging the window. You can also install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that is peeling or chipped

Frames and window sills are often in close proximity to the elements, and they can take a lot abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Moisture is the main reason for peeling paint around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure below the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation inside, or snow and rain outside. It's important to scrape and sand the surface when you notice the paint chipping. Some skilled artists add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to prevent moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.

If paint starts to crack, it's time to repair your window. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any scattered drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility blade. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut into the sheathing underneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

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

Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint, as these will vary depending on the type. Make sure you paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.

Window replacements can be expensive 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 newer energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to wind, rain and bugs. You may be tempted to replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if it's not too severe of a crack or break. It is important to address small cracks immediately, before they become worse due to temperature changes or time.

There are a variety of ways to make broken glasses virtually invisible. But this isn't an easy task that is achievable by a DIYer. Even a tiny chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which can cause more breaks and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This covers the crack from the outside, preventing moisture or air from leaking through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before removing the broken glass from the frame. Utilize a utility knife scraper, chisel or chisel to take off the old glazing points that secure the pane. You should also make use of the knife to pull away any wood that is unfinished, then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

You can then make use of epoxy to stick the glass back into place. This is the slowest method, but it can also give your glass a more robust appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener equally. This allows you to precisely control how much epoxy is poured into the window, which helps ensure a good seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills are intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are crucial to insulate your home and ensuring that heat stays inside during winter and out in the summer. If you take the glass off these gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method used to repair cracks in other types of glass.