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Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are among the many factors that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window allows wind, rain, insects and other unwanted elements to get into your home.

There are methods to repair damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows, a replacement is usually necessary. Moisture can cause rot to the wooden frame of your window. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without damaging the strength of your existing frames.

Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have wood windows with decaying areas, it might be possible to fix them if they are not too much damaged. If the rot has reached the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes), you may need to rebuild them. This can cost more than a new set of windows.

Another common issue that requires replacement is a failed seal between your double-paned windows. This can be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't face the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.

Unattractive casings, such as ones that are loose, cracked or rotten, as well as missing, can cause other issues. A damaged casing doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, though. You might be able to sand it and then repaint it to make it look better in accordance with the condition and surrounding wood.

If the exterior casing of your home is damaged It is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to keep moisture from damaging the window. Installing new exterior casing can be an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint that has peeled or chipped

Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer a lot from the sun and rain. The peeling of paint around windows is caused by moisture, and is particularly so if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood, and once it evaporates the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture may come from condensation inside, or from snow and rain outside. No matter the source it is important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preserver to the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into wood, allowing the new paint to stick better.

When paint begins to crack, it's time for a window repair. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using an utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

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

Then paint and prime as directed on the specific tin of paint you're using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the can of paint as they differ depending on the type of paint. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior-grade.

Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. If your window frames can't be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to wind and rain, as well as bugs. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if you don't have too big of a crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they happen, before they get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.

There are a myriad of methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which can lead to more breaks and costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, preventing moisture or air from leaking through. This can damage the frames 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 chisel to cut off the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. Make use of the knife to remove any bare wood, then apply Linseed or a clear sealer.

Then, you can make use of epoxy to stick the glass back to its original position. This method is the most time-consuming however it will give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy is applied to the window, which helps ensure a good seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are crucial to keep the heat inside your home during the winter and outside during summer. If you take the glass off the gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.