10 Facts About Window Repair That Insists On Putting You In Good Mood Why Window Repair Is Necessary


Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown from the lawnmower or a large beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A window that is damaged allows rain, wind insects, and other unwelcome elements to enter your house.

Although it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible however, there are ways to fix it and stop it from getting worse.

Water Damage

If water is getting into your windows replacing them is typically required. The moisture can cause damage to the wood of the frame of your window and cause rot. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames with no damage to them.

Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood 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 have to rebuild the windows. This can be more costly than buying a new set.

A deteriorated seal between double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris between the double-paned windows or a sign that the insulation in your window has failed. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have the insulation in them. This means they can't experience the same issues as older multi-paned windows.

A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other issues. A damaged casing does not mean it's time to replace your windows, though. Depending on window repairs of your casing as well as the wood surrounding it you might be able to sand or repaint it to improve its appearance.

If your exterior casing is damaged it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to prevent moisture from causing damage to the window. You can also install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Frames and window sills are typically close to the elements, and they take a lot of damage from precipitation and sunlight. The peeling of paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, especially when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film causes it to peel and lose adhesion. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior, or from rain and snow on the outside. It is important to sand and scrape the surface when you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled artists add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and allow the paint to hold better.

If the paint begins to chip off the window, it's time for repairing your window. To remove any paint that might stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the surface before applying a fresh coat. Clean any paint that is loose with an utility knife. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

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 base that's ready for painting. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment if you're using lead-based paint. Tape off any surfaces close to the sanded surface, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

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

Window replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwanted creatures. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you can also repair it yourself if there isn't too severe of crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they happen, before they get worse with time or temperature changes.

There are many ways to make broken glasses virtually invisible. But this isn't a project that is achievable by a DIYer. Even a tiny chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which can result in more breakage and a costly replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. It covers it from the outside and prevents air or moisture from leaking through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Before putting on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety eyewear and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any old glazing points that pin the glass in the frame. You should also use the knife to pry out any wood that's empty and then clean and seal the area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be put back in the position with epoxy. This method is the most time consuming, but will give your glass a more robust 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 determine exactly how much applied to the glass which ensures a strong seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are intact. These gases are essential to insulating and keeping heat inside your home in the winter, and outside in the summer. If you take the glass off, those gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method that is used to repair cracks in other types of glass.