9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped table are among the many factors that can cause cracks in glass windows. A damaged window may let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to infiltrate your home.

While it is not possible to make a damaged window completely invisible, there are ways to repair it and stop it from spreading further.

Water Damage

If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. The moisture can cause damage to the wood of the window frame and cause rot. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.

Wood rot is another issue that affects both the inside and the exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have rotting spots, a repair may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. However, if the rot has spread to your mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes), they may need to be rebuilt. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.

A deteriorated seal between double-paned windows is another issue that requires replacement. This can be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has failed. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. They won't be afflicted with the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.

Loose, cracked, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You might be able to sand it and then repaint it to enhance its appearance based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.

If the exterior casing of your home is damaged it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop water from destroying the window. You can also install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements, and they can take a lot damage from precipitation and sunlight. Moisture is the main reason for peeling paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. Whatever the cause it is important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood before painting to prevent moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.

If paint starts to crack, it's time for a window repair. Before you apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any scattered drops of paint. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut the sheathing underneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paint make sure you use the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces close to the sanded surface, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

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

Window replacement can be costly, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it might be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.

Cracked glass

A broken window can leave your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind, bugs, and other unwelcome critters. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if it's not too severe of crack or break. Repair small cracks right away before they get worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.

There are a myriad of methods to make damaged glass invisible but this is an extremely high order for a DIY project. Even a small chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which can cause more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from passing through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.

Put on your safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll require a utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any old glazing points that hold the pane into the frame. Utilize the knife to cut away any wood that is not used, then finish it off with linseed or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This method is the most time consuming, but will give your glass a more robust appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener equally. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is poured into the window, which can help ensure a solid seal.

If you have double or triple-pane windows be certain that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are crucial to insulate your home and keeping heat in the winter months and out during summer. If you remove the window, the gases escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same procedure used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.