Why Window Repair Is Necessary

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

While it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible, there are ways to repair it and stop it from becoming worse.

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. Moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. 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 can affect the exterior and interior of your windows. If you have windows made of wood with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them, if they're not too far gone. However, if the rot has spread to your muntins or mullions (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This could be more expensive than purchasing a new set.

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

A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You may be able to sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance in accordance with the condition and surrounding wood.

If the exterior casing isn't in great condition and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint might be the best solution to prevent moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and practical improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window frames and sills are often close to the elements and home suffer a lot from rain and sunlight. Peeling paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, particularly if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or snow and rain outside. It is essential to scrape and sand the surface when you notice the paint chipping. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preserver to the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce the penetration of moisture into the wood, allowing the new paint to stick better.

When paint starts to chip off the window, it's time for repairing your window. To capture any paint that might stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp on the area before applying a fresh coat. With a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to slash the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

After the area has dried then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that's ready for painting. If you're working with lead-based paints make sure you use proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces close to the sanded surface, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according the instructions on the tin that you are using. Be sure to follow the curing and temperature guidelines for the paint as they differ by type. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior-grade.

Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind and rain, as well as bugs. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if you don't have too large a crack or break. It is important to address small cracks right away, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.

There are a myriad of methods that claim to make broken glass invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip could cause a weak spot to the glass, which can result in more breakage and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. It covers it from the outside and prevents air or moisture from leaking through, which can damage the frame or seals around windows.

Before putting on the plastic wear protective eyewear and gloves, and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to remove the old glazing points that secure the pane. Use the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then seal it with linseed or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This is the longest-lasting alternative, but it will also give your glass a more substantial look. When using epoxy, choose the double glazed window repairs-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you precisely control how much epoxy is poured into the window, which can help to ensure a strong seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are intact when you reset the glass. These gases are crucial for insulating your home and keeping heat in during the winter and out during summer. If you remove the window the gasses will escape and cause the glass to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.