9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are just one of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A damaged window may allow wind, rain bugs and other harmful elements to enter your home.

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

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. It can also compromise the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without damaging the structural integrity of your current frames.

Wood rot can impact the outside and inside of your windows. If you have windows made of wood with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they're not too far gone. However when the rot has reached the mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.

A damaged seal between double-paned window panes is another issue that requires replacement. This could be due to the condensation or the accumulation of debris between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation inside your window is failing. Fortunately, many modern windows have insulation built into them. This means they can't experience the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. A damaged casing doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, though. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood surrounding it you may be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance.

If the exterior casing of your home is damaged it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to prevent moisture from causing damage to the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a beautiful and practical improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements and suffer from the sun and rain. The peeling of paint around windows is caused by moisture, particularly if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure below the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. Whatever the cause it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative to the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiling oil prior to painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, which will help the new paint to hold better.

When paint begins to crack, it's time for a window repair. Before you apply 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 an utility knife. Be careful not gouge the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.

After the area is dry, sand the area again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that's ready to accept paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when you're using paint based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin that you are using. Make sure to adhere to the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can as they differ according to the type of paint. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior-grade.

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

Glass that has cracked

A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwanted critters. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if there isn't too large a crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they occur, before they get worse due to time or temperature changes.

While there are numerous methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. A tiny crack could cause a weakness in the window, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This protects the crack from the outside and stops air or moisture from getting through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.

Before you put on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety glasses and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll require an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull out any wood that's bare, then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be put back in its original position with epoxy. This is the longest-lasting option, Window repair but it will also give your glass a more substantial appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener in a similar way. This lets you precisely control the amount applied to the glass, which ensures a strong 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 vital for insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter, and outside during summer. If you take the window repairs near me off, the gases escape and Window repair cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced in the same way as for repairing cracks on other kinds of glass.