Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are just one of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A window that is damaged allows rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your home.

There are methods to repair broken glass and stop it from spreading.

Water Damage

The sight of water leaking through your window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. Moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company can replace your windows without destroying the strength of your existing frames.

Wood rot is another issue that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they are not terribly damaged. However, if the rot has spread to your mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This could cost more than a new set windows.

Another issue that is often required for replacement is a faulty seal between your double-paned windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris between the double-paned windows or it could be a sign that the insulation of your window has failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation built into them. They won't face the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.

A cracked, loose or rotting casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You may be able to sand it and repaint the casing to make it look better in accordance with 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 fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to prevent water from destroying the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Frames and window sills are usually close to the elements, and they are subject to a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps into wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure in the paint film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the outside. Regardless of the source, it's important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and make the new paint hold better.

If paint starts to crack, it's time for a window repair. To capture any paint that has strayed onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp over the area before applying a fresh coat. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility blade. Be careful not to slash the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the area is dry and dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that's ready to accept paint. Use the correct safety equipment when using lead-based paint. Clean the sanded area and tape off any other surfaces, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.

Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint you're using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint as they differ by type. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior grade.

Window replacements can be expensive However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window repairs frames are beyond repair, it could be worth upgrading them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.

Cracked Glass

A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwanted creatures. If the crack or tear isn't too serious you can fix it yourself. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they occur, before they get worse due to time or temperature fluctuations.

While there are numerous methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible, this is a tall task for a DIY. A small crack can create a weak point in the window, which can eventually lead to further breaks and a larger 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 can harm the frame or seals around windows.

Before putting on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety glasses and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. Utilize a utility knife, scraper or chisel, to cut off the old glazing points that secure the pane. It is also recommended to make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is bare, then clean and seal that area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be put back in place with epoxy. This option is the most time consuming but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy 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 certain that the gas fills are intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are vital for insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside during summer. If you take the glass off, those gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.