Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

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

While it is not possible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible but there are ways to repair it and prevent it from spreading further.

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows, a replacement is usually necessary. The moisture could damage the wood in your window repairs near me frame and cause rot. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window manufacturer 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 made of wood have rotting spots repairs may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. However, if the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This may cost more than a new set of windows.

Another common issue that requires replacement is a faulty seal between the double panes of your windows. It could be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be an indication that your window's insulation has been damaged. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. They won't face the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.

Unattractive casings, such as ones that are loose, cracked or rotten, or even missing, can create other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it you may be able to sand it and paint it to improve its appearance.

If the exterior casing isn't in good condition and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint might be the best solution to keep moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint that is peeling or Window repair chipped

Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer from rain and sunlight. Peeling paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure under the paint film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior, or from rain and snow on the exterior. It is important to scrape and sand the surface when you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.

When paint begins to chip, it's time for a window repair. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. With a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut into the underlying sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.

Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and Window Repair create a substrate that is ready to receive paint. Use the correct safety equipment if you're using paint that is based on lead. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it like baseboards to protect them from paint.

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

Window replacements can be expensive, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, it could be worth upgrading them to more modern windows that are more energy efficient.

Cracked Glass

A damaged window can make your home vulnerable to wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome critters. If the break or crack is not too severe you can repair it yourself. You should address small cracks as soon as you notice them prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes 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 small chip can cause a crack in the glass, which can result in more breakage and a costly replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. It covers the crack from the outside and prevents air or moisture from leaking through, which can damage the frame or seals around windows.

Put on your safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass off the frame. Utilize a utility knife scraper, chisel, or scraper to remove the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Use the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then apply Linseed or a clear sealer.

You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the most time-consuming, but will give your glass a more robust appearance. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that distributes resin and hardener in a similar way. This allows you to precisely control the amount applied to the glass which ensures a strong seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows be sure that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are vital for insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter and outside in summer. If you take the glass off, those gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced in the same way as to repair cracks on other types of glass.