Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window may let rain, wind, bugs and other undesirable elements to enter your home.

While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from getting worse.

Water Damage

Water that is leaking out of your window frame is a sign that you should replace it. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of your window frame. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window replacement manufacturer can replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.

Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have wood windows with rotting areas, it may be possible to repair them, if they're not terribly damaged. However when the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This can be more costly than buying a brand new set.

A damaged seal between the double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be caused by condensation or debris that has formed between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation inside your Window Doctor Near Me has gone out of date. Modern windows have insulation built in. 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 not attractive and could cause other problems. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You may be able sand it and then repaint it to improve its appearance, depending on the condition and Window Doctor Near Me surrounding wood.

If the casing on the outside isn't in great condition, a new layer of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to stop moisture from destroying your window. The installation of new exterior casings can be a beautiful and practical improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements and suffer a lot from the sun and rain. Moisture is the primary reason for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure in the paint 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's important to sand and scrape the surface when you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil the bare wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and allow the paint to hold better.

When paint begins to crack, it's time to repair your window. To capture any paint that may stray on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area before applying a new coat. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut the sheathing underneath. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

After the area has dried, sand again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that is ready for paint. Use the proper safety equipment if you're using paint that is based on lead. Clean the sanded area and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to shield them from paint.

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

Window replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to wind rain, insects and wind. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if you don't have too big of crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they occur, so that they don't get worse due to time or temperature fluctuations.

There are many ways to make broken glasses virtually invisible. However, this is not something that can be completed by DIYers. Even a tiny chip could create a weak spot in the glass, which could result in more breakage and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This will cover the crack from the outside, and prevents moisture or air from leaking through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.

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

You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the most time-consuming but it will give your glass a more solid appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener equally. This lets you precisely control how much epoxy is poured into the window, which can help ensure a solid seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills remain intact when resetting the glass. These gases are essential for insulating your home and ensuring that heat is kept in during winter and out in the summer. If you remove the glass, those gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same procedure used to repair cracks in other types of glass.