Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble that was thrown from the lawnmower or a large beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A window doctor [more helpful hints] that is damaged lets rain, wind insects, and other unwelcome elements to enter your home.

While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from spreading further.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows, a replacement is usually required. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without damaging them.

Wood rot can affect both the exterior and interior of your windows. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to fix them, if they're not too much damaged. If the rot has spread to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes) it could be necessary to replace them. This may cost more than a new set of windows.

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of debris between your double-paned windows, or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has gone out of date.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

The ugly casings, like ones that are loose, cracked or rotten, as well as missing, can create various issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it you might be able to sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance.

If the casing on the outside isn't in great condition A new coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to stop moisture from destroying your window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that is peeling or chipped

Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and are prone to suffering from the sun and rain. Moisture is the primary reason for the peeling of paint around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. It is essential to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint start to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative to the bare wood and thinned boiling oil prior to painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into wood, which will help the new paint to stay better.

If paint starts to chip, it's the time for a window repair. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut through the underlying sheathing. Let the area dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.

Once the area has dried, window doctor sand again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using the proper safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any adjacent surfaces, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.

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

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

Glass that has cracked

A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to winds, rain and bugs. If the crack or tear is not too severe, you can repair it yourself. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.

There are a variety of ways to make broken glasses virtually invisible. However, this is not an easy task that can be done by an amateur. Even a small crack will create a weak spot in the window, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with 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 prior to removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to use a scraper, utility knife or chisel to get rid of any old glazing points that hold the pane into the frame. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is empty, then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into place by using epoxy. This method is the longest-running but it will give your glass a more solid appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This allows you to control exactly how much is applied to the glass which will ensure a solid seal.

If you have double glazing or triple-pane windows be certain that the gas fills are intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are essential for insulating your home and keeping heat in during winter and out in the summer. If you remove the window, the gases escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as to repair cracks in other types of glass.