9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown from the lawnmower or a large beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window could allow wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome elements to infiltrate your home.

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

Water Damage

Water that is leaking out of the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. Moisture can cause rot to the wooden frame of your window. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without damaging them.

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

A deteriorated seal between the double-paned upvc window repair panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be an indication that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation in them. This means they don't face the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it you may be able to sand it and paint it to enhance its appearance.

If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to stop water from destroying the window. Installing new exterior casing can be a stylish and practical 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. Paint peeling around windows is primarily caused by moisture, especially when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure under the film causes it to peel and Window Repair lose adhesion. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or rain and snow on the outside. It is essential to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint begin to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and help the new paint hold better.

If paint starts to crack, it's time for a window repair. To catch any paint that might stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the surface before applying a new coat. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood beneath or cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the area is dry, sand the area again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that's ready for painting. If you're working with lead-based paints make sure you use the proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any adjacent surfaces, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to the directions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint because they'll differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade paint.

Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are beyond repair, it could be worth upgrading them to newer, more energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind bugs, and other unpleasant creatures. If the break or crack is not too severe, you can repair it yourself. It is best to fix small cracks as soon they occur, so that they don't get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.

There are many ways to make damaged glasses appear as if they are not there. But, this is not something that can be done by a DIYer. Even a small crack will create a weak spot in the glass, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a more expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This covers the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from getting through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.

Before putting on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety glasses and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel, or scraper to take off the old glazing points that secure the pane. It is also recommended to use the knife to pry away any wood that is empty and then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into place using epoxy. This is the longest-running, but will give your glass a more substantial appearance. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that distributes resin and hardener equally. This allows you to control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are vital to keep the heat inside your home during the winter and outside during summer. If you remove the glass these gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method used to repair cracks in other types of glass.