A Provocative Rant About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a large drink set on your glass-topped table are among the many factors that can cause cracks in window glass. A broken window lets rain, wind insects, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.

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

Water Damage

The sight of water leaking through the window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without causing damage to them.

Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the inside and exterior of your window. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. However, if the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of the upvc window repairs frame that support 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 a different issue that requires replacement. This could be caused by the condensation or the accumulation of debris between the double-paned windows or it could be a sign that the insulation inside your window has failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation built into them. They won't face the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.

The ugly casings, like those that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, can create other problems. A damaged casing alone doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, though. You might be able to sand it and then repaint it to enhance its appearance based on the condition and surrounding wood.

If the casing on the outside isn't in good shape and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint could be the best solution to keep moisture from damaging your window. You can also install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements, and they can take a lot wear and tear from rain and sunlight. The peeling of paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or rain and snow outside. It is essential to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint begin to chip. Some meticulous painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil the bare wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.

If paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any stray drops of paint. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using an utility knife. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut the sheathing beneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

When the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a surface ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint make sure you use the appropriate safety equipment. Clean the sanded area and tape off any other surfaces like baseboards to shield them from paint.

Then paint, prime and then paint according to the directions on the specific paint tin you're using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the paint's can because they'll differ depending on the type. Also, make sure to paint the exterior with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior grade.

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

Glass that has cracked

A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwelcome creatures. If the crack or tear isn't severe enough you can repair it yourself. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they occur, so that they don't become worse as time passes or temperature changes.

While there are numerous methods to make broken glass invisible, this is a tall task for a DIY. A tiny crack could create a weak point in the glass, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a larger replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This covers it from the outside and window replacement prevents moisture or air from seeping through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Before putting on the plastic wear gloves and safety eyewear and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need a scraper, utility knife or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that pin the pane into position. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is bare and then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

You can then make use of epoxy to stick the glass back into place. This method is the most time consuming but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you determine exactly how much applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are essential to insulate your home and ensuring that heat is kept in the winter months and out during summer. If you remove the glass these gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same procedure used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.