9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are just some of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A broken window can let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to enter your home.

While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible, there are ways to repair it and stop it from spreading further.

Water Damage

Water that is leaking out of your window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can damage the wood of your window frame and cause rot. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.

Wood rot is another issue that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If your wood windows have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has reached your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to replace them. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.

Another issue that is often required for replacement is a faulty seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be due to the condensation or the accumulation of debris between your double-paned windows, or it could be a sign that the insulation inside your window has gone out of date. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have the insulation built-in. They won't be afflicted with the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.

Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other problems. A damaged casing does not mean it's time to replace your windows, however. You may be able sand it and repaint the casing to enhance its appearance, depending on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.

If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape It is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to stop water from destroying the window. You can also install new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements and are prone to suffering from the sun and rain. Moisture is the main reason for peeling paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure in the paint film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. No matter the source it's essential to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil 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 you apply a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Clean any paint that is loose with an utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

Once the area is dry, sand it again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints ensure you're using the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according the instructions on the tin that you are using. Follow the curing and Download free temperature instructions on the can of paint as they differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior using exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade paint.

Window replacements can be expensive, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer, more energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain bugs, and other unpleasant creatures. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if you don't have too large a crack or break. Repair small cracks right away, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.

There are a myriad of methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. Even a tiny chip could create a weak spot in the glass, which can cause more breaks and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This covers the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from getting through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.

Put on your safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass off the frame. You'll need a utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that hold the pane into position. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then finish it off with Linseed or a clear sealer.

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

When you are resetting double glazed window repairs near me or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are intact. These gases are crucial to insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside during summer. If you remove the window the gasses escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.