Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by a lawnmower or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped table are one of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A damaged window may let rain, wind, bugs and other undesirable elements to get into your home.

While it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from spreading further.

Water Damage

If water is getting into your windows replacing them is typically necessary. Moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows without destroying the integrity of your existing frames.

Wood rot is another problem that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they're not too much damaged. However, if the rot has reached the mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This could cost more than a new set windows.

A failed seal between double-paned windows is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be due to the condensation or the accumulation of debris between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation in your window is failing. Many modern windows come with insulation built in. This means they can't experience the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

Casings that are ugly, such as ones that are cracked, loose, rotten, or missing, can create other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You might be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance based on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.

If the casing on the outside isn't in good condition, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint could be the best solution to stop moisture from destroying your window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Window sills and frames are often close to the elements and suffer a lot from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for peeling paint around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes it to loose adhesion and peel. Moisture may come from condensation in the interior or from snow and rain outside. It's important to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint chipping. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow the penetration of moisture into the wood, which helps the new paint to stay better.

If paint begins to peel off, it's time to repair your window. To catch any paint that has strayed onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the surface before applying a new coat. With a utility knife, carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut into the underlying sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

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

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

Window replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, it could be worth upgrading them to newer, more energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A damaged window leaves your home open to wind rain, insects and wind. If the break or crack isn't too serious you can fix it yourself. Repair small cracks right away, before they become worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.

There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses appear as if they are not there. However this isn't something that is achievable by DIYers. Even a small crack will create a weak spot in the window, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a larger replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. This protects the crack from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which can harm the frame or seals around the windows.

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

You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This method is the most time-consuming but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the here resin and hardener in equal proportion. This allows you to 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 remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential to keep heat inside your home in the winter and outside in summer. If you remove the glass the gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.