This Week's Top Stories Concerning Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are just some of the many things that can cause cracks in glass windows. A damaged window lets rain, wind insects, and other unwelcome elements to enter your house.

There are ways to repair a cracked glass and stop it from spreading.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. The moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows, without compromising the strength of your existing frames.

Wood rot is another problem that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they are not terribly damaged. If the rot has gotten to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) it could be necessary to replace them. This can cost more than a new set windows.

A damaged seal between the double-paned window panes is another issue that requires replacement. This can be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be an indication that your window's insulation has failed. Fortunately, a lot of modern windows have the insulation built-in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older multi-paned windows.

A cracked, loose or rotting casings around your windows are not attractive and could cause other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. You may be able to sand it and repaint it to make it look better based on the condition and surrounding wood.

If the exterior casing isn't in great condition A new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint might be the best solution to keep moisture from damaging your window. Installing new exterior casing can be a beautiful and practical upgrade to your home.

Paint that is peeling or chipped

Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements, and they are subject to a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main cause for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. Moisture may come from condensation in the interior, or rain and snow outside. It's important to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint begin to chip. Some skilled artists 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, which helps the new paint to stay better.

If the paint begins to peel off the window, it's time for repairing your window. Before you apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the area is dry, sand it again using a fine sanding pad.  window repair  will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that's ready for painting. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces adjacent to the sanded area, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according the instructions on the tin you are using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint, as these will vary according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade paint.

Window replacements can be expensive, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is inexpensive and a good 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 winds, rain and bugs. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if it's not too large a crack or break. It is important to address small cracks as soon as you notice them before they get more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.

There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses almost invisible. But, this is not a project that can be done by an amateur. Even a small crack will create a weak spot in the window, which can eventually lead to more breaks and a more expensive replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, which stops moisture or air from leaking through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.

Before you put on the plastic and putting on your protective eyewear and gloves, and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need a utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that bind the pane in position. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then seal it with linseed or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can make use of epoxy to stick the glass back into place. This is the longest-running but it will give your glass a more robust 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 is poured onto the window, which helps ensure a good seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are important for insulating your house and ensuring that heat stays inside during winter and out during summer. If you take the window off the gasses escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same procedure used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.