9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

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

Although it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible however, there are ways to fix it and stop it from getting worse.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window repair near me replacement company can replace your frames without causing damage to them.

Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the inside and exterior of your window. If you have wood windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to fix them if they're not too far gone. However in the event that the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) They may have to be rebuilt. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.

Another common issue that requires replacement is a damaged seal between double-paned windows. It could be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be an indication that your window's insulation has failed. A lot of modern windows have insulation built-in. This means they can't experience the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

The ugly casings, like those that are cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, could cause various issues. A damaged casing alone doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, though. You might be able to sand it and window repair repaint the casing to improve its appearance in accordance with the condition and surrounding wood.

If your exterior casing is in bad shape, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to keep water from destroying the window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a beautiful and practical improvement to your home.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and suffer from rain and sunlight. Paint peeling around windows is caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure under the paint film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. The moisture can be caused by condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. Whatever the cause it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to prevent moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.

If paint starts to chip, it's time for a window repair. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut the sheathing beneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the area is dry then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a substrate ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

Then paint, prime and then paint as directed on the specific paint tin you're using. Make sure you follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint, as these will vary depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade paint.

Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames can't be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.

Glass that has cracked

A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind bugs, and other unpleasant creatures. If the crack or break isn't severe enough you can fix it yourself. Repair small cracks as soon as you notice them before they get more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.

There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses appear as if they are not there. However, this is not something that can be completed by a DIYer. Even a small chip can cause a crack in the glass, which could cause more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from passing through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.

Before putting on the plastic wear gloves and safety glasses and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade scraper, window repair chisel or chisel to remove the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. Also, you should use the knife to pry out any wood that's bare and then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This is the most time-intensive alternative, but it will also give your glass a more substantial look. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass, which ensures a strong seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows be sure that the gas fills are intact when resetting the glass. These gases are vital to insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside during summer. If you remove the glass, those gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.