Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are one of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A damaged window could allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to enter your home.

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

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows, window repair a replacement is usually necessary. The moisture could damage the wood in the frame of your window and cause the frame to rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows, without compromising the structural integrity of your current 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 fix them, if they're not terribly damaged. If the rot has reached your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) it could be necessary to replace the windows. This can be more costly than purchasing a new set.

A failed seal between double-paned windows is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation of your window has gone out of date. Modern windows have insulation built in. This means they can't experience the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

A cracked, loose or rotting casings around your windows are 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 as well as the wood surrounding it you may be able to sand or repaint it to improve its appearance.

If the casing on the outside isn't in good condition A new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint might be the best solution to keep moisture from damaging your window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Frames and window sills are usually close to the elements, which means they are subject to a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. The peeling of paint around windows is caused by moisture, particularly if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure under the film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation inside, or from snow and rain outside. Regardless of the source it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative to the bare wood and thinned boiled oil before painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into wood, which will help the new paint to stick better.

If the paint begins to chip off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any scattered drops of paint. With a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to slash the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

After the area has dried, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

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

Window replacement can be costly, 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 repairs leaves your home open to wind rain, insects and wind. It's tempting to replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if it's not too severe of a crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they happen, before they become worse as time passes or temperature changes.

There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses virtually invisible. However this isn't a project that is achievable by an amateur. A small crack can cause a weakness in the glass, which could eventually lead to further breaks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This will cover the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from passing through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.

Put on your safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass off the frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel or chisel to cut off the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. Use the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then apply linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be put back in the position by using epoxy. This method is the most time-consuming, but will give your glass a more substantial appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener equally. This allows you to precisely control how much epoxy is poured into the window, which will help ensure a solid seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows, make certain that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter, and outside in the summer. If you remove the window, the gases escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method that is used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.