A Provocative Rant About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

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

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

Water Damage

Water that is leaking out of your window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of your window frame. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company can replace your windows, without compromising the strength of your existing frames.

Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If your windows are made of wood and have rotting spots it is possible if the rot isn't too advanced. However in the event that the rot has spread to the mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This could be more expensive than buying a new set.

A damaged seal between double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be due to the condensation or the accumulation of debris between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation of your window is failing. Many modern windows come with insulation built in. They won't have the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.

Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other problems. A damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, though. You may be able to sand it and repaint the casing to make it look better based on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.

If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to stop moisture from damaging the upvc window repairs near me. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a beautiful and practical improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements, and they take a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure in the film of paint causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the outside. It's important to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint chipping. Some meticulous painters add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.

If the paint begins to chip off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. To remove any paint that might stray on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp on the surface before applying a new coat. Clean any paint that is loose with an utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut the sheathing beneath. Let the area dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

Once the area is dry, sand it again using a fine sanding pad. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a base ready for paint. Use the correct safety equipment when you're using paint based on lead. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any adjacent surfaces, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according the instructions on the tin you are using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint, as these will vary depending on the type. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior grade.

Window replacement can be costly, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames can't be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to wind rain, insects and wind. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if it's not too big of a crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they happen, before they get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.

There are a myriad of methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. Even a small chip can cause a crack in the glass, which can cause more breaks and costly replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This covers the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from getting through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.

Wear protective glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass off the frame. Utilize a utility knife scraper, chisel, or scraper to cut off the old glazing points that secure the pane. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then finish it off with linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into the position using epoxy. This is the most time-consuming but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and window repair hardener in equal proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount applied to the glass, which ensures a strong seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are crucial to keep warm inside your home in the winter, and outside in summer. If you take the glass off the gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced by using the same procedure for repairing cracks on other kinds of glass.