Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are among the many factors that can cause cracks in glass windows. A broken window allows wind, rain, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your house.

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

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically required. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of your window frame. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames with no damage to them.

Wood rot can impact the outside and inside of your windows. If you have windows made of wood with rotting areas, it may be possible to fix them if they're not too far gone. However, if the rot has spread to your mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This could cost more than a new set of windows.

Another issue that is often required for replacement is a failed seal between your double-paned windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation of your window has failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation built-in. They won't be afflicted with the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.

Cracked, loose or rotting casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the surrounding wood you might be able to sand or paint it to enhance its appearance.

If your exterior casing is in poor condition it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to prevent moisture from damaging the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Frames and window sills are often in close proximity to the elements, and they take a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. The peeling of paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, especially when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure under the film of paint causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or from snow and rain outside. No matter the source it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to prevent moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.

When paint begins to chip, it's time for a window door repair. Before you apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any scattered drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut through the sheathing beneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the area has dried, sand again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a base that is ready to receive paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when you're using lead-based paint. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any adjacent surfaces, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.

Then paint and prime as directed on the specific tin of paint you're using. Be sure to follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint can as they will differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.

Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing them. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window leaves your home open to wind, rain and bugs. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if there isn't too large crack or break. It is important to address small cracks immediately prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or time.

There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses almost invisible. But, this is not a project that can be completed by DIYers. Even a small crack will create a weak point in the window, which could result in further cracks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. It covers the crack from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which could damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to use a utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any glazing points that pin the pane in place. You should also employ the knife to cut out any wood that's empty, then clean and seal that area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This is the longest-running but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. Choose the double glazing repairs near me-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and window repair hardener in a similar way. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which ensures a strong seal.

When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are crucial for insulating your home and keeping heat in during the winter and out during summer. If you take the window off the gasses will escape and cause the glass to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same procedure used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.