Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble that was thrown by the lawnmowers or a large beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window may let rain, wind, bugs and other undesirable elements to get into your home.

While it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible but there are ways to fix it and prevent it from becoming worse.

Water Damage

If water is getting into your windows replacing them is typically necessary. The moisture can cause damage to the wood of your window frame and cause the frame to rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.

Wood rot is another problem that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. However, window repair if the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This could cost more than a new set of windows.

Another issue that is often required for replacement is a faulty seal between double-paned windows. 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 failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have the insulation built into them. This means that they won't have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

Unattractive casings, such as those that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, could cause other problems. A damaged casing doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, however. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it you may be able to sand it and paint it to enhance its appearance.

If your exterior casing is in bad shape It is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to keep water from destroying the window. Installing new exterior casing can be an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements, so they take a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main reason for the peeling of paint around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure under the film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior, or from rain and snow on the outside. Regardless of the source it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative to the bare wood and thinned boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into wood, allowing 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, lay a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not gouge the wood underneath or Window Repair cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

When the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces near to the sanded region, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to instructions on the tin you are using. Make sure to adhere to the curing and temperature guidelines for the paint as they will differ according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.

Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair however, it might be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.

Cracked Glass

A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to wind rain, insects and wind. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if you don't have too big of a crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't get worse due to time or temperature changes.

There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses virtually invisible. But, this is not a project that can be done by an amateur. A small crack can cause a weakness in the window, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a more expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This covers it from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which could damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Before putting on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety glasses and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need a utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that bind the glass in position. Utilize the knife to cut away any wood that is not used, then apply linseed or a clear wood sealer.

You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This is the slowest alternative, but it will also give your glass a more robust look. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener equally. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured onto the upvc window repair, which helps ensure a solid seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows be certain that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are essential for insulating your home and keeping heat in during the winter and out in the summer. If you remove the glass the gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method used to repair cracks in other types of glass.