Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are just some of the many things that can cause cracks in glass windows. A broken window allows rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your house.

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

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames with no damage to them.

Wood rot can affect the outside and window replacement inside of your windows. If your windows made of wood have spots of rotting repairs may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. However when the rot has reached the mullions or muntins (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes), they may need to be rebuilt. This could cost more than a new set of windows.

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

Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casings around your windows are not attractive and could cause other issues. A damaged casing alone doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, though. You might be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance, depending on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.

If the casing on the outside isn't in good shape and you're looking to replace it, a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be all you need to keep moisture from damaging your window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Window frames and sills are typically close to the elements, which means they take a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Paint peeling around windows is mostly caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure below the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior, or from rain and snow on the outside. It is important to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint begin to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and make the new paint hold better.

When paint begins to chip, it's the time to consider repairing your window. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any scattered drops of paint. Utilizing a utility knife carefully remove any loose paint. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut through the sheathing underneath. Let the area dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.

After the area has dried and dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that is ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use the appropriate safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according the instructions on the tin that you are using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the paint's can as they differ depending on the type. Make sure you paint the exterior with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior-grade.

Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair, however, it could be worth upgrading them to more modern windows that are more energy efficient.

Cracked Glass

A broken window doctor near me could leave your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind bugs, and other unwanted critters. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if there isn't too big of crack or break. Repair small cracks right away, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.

There are many ways to make cracked glasses almost invisible. But, this is not an easy task that can be completed by a DIYer. Even a small crack will create a weak point in the window, which could eventually lead to more breaks and a larger replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from getting through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.

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

You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the longest-lasting option, but it will also give your glass a more substantial appearance. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured onto the window, which can help to ensure a strong seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be sure that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are important to insulate your home and window replacement keeping heat in during winter and out in the summer. If you remove the window, the gases will escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced by using the same procedure to repair cracks in other types of glass.