Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped table are some of the many things that can cause cracks in window glass. A broken window allows wind, rain, insects and other unwanted elements to get into your home.

While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible but there are ways to repair it and prevent it from spreading further.

Water Damage

Water seeping through the window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. It could also decrease 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, a repair may be possible in the event that the rot isn’t advanced. However, if the rot has spread to the mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This can cost more than a new set of windows.

A deteriorated seal between double glazing-paned windows is another issue that requires replacement. This could be caused by the condensation or the accumulation of debris between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation inside your window has gone out of date. Modern windows have insulation built in. This means that they won’t have the same issues as older multi-paned windows.

Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casings around your windows are not attractive and could cause other issues. It’s not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it you might be able to sand or paint it to enhance its appearance.

If your exterior casing is damaged, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to keep water from destroying the window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a stylish and practical upgrade to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements and suffer from sunlight and rain. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes it to lose adhesion and peel. Moisture may come from condensation in the interior, or rain and snow outside. Whatever the cause it’s essential to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters add 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 begins to peel off and cracks appear, it’s time to fix your window. To capture any paint that may stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a fresh coat. Remove any loose paint with a utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut through the underlying sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

When the area is dry then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. 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 the proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded area and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it like baseboards to shield them from paint.

Then paint, prime and then paint according to the directions on the specific tin of paint you’re using. Make sure to adhere to the curing and window replacement temperature guidelines on the paint can as they will differ depending on the type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface 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 however, it could be worth upgrading them to more modern windows that are more energy efficient.

Cracked Glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to winds, rain and bugs. If the break or crack is not too severe you can fix it yourself. It is best to fix small cracks as soon they occur, so that they don’t get worse due to time or temperature changes.

There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses virtually invisible. However this isn’t an easy task that can be done by an amateur. Even a small crack will create a weak point in the glass, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a larger replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from getting through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.

Put on your safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass off the frame. You’ll require an utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that pin the pane in place. Utilize the knife to cut away any bare wood, then apply linseed or a clear wood sealer.

You can then make use of epoxy to stick the glass back into place. This is the slowest alternative, but it will also give your glass a more solid appearance. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is applied to the window, which can help to ensure a strong seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter, and outside in the summer. If you remove the glass these gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced using the same method as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.