Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink that is set on your glass-topped coffee table are just among the many factors that can cause cracks in window glass. A broken window can allow wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome elements to enter your home.

There are many ways to fix damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture can damage the wood inside the frame of your window and cause the frame to rot. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without damaging the structural integrity of your current frames.

Wood rot is another problem that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have wooden windows with decaying areas, it might be possible to fix them if they are not too much damaged. If the rot has reached the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window doctor frame that support your glass panes) it could be necessary to rebuild the windows. This can be more expensive than buying a new set.

Another common issue that requires replacement is a faulty seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be due to the condensation or the accumulation of debris between your double-paned windows, or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has gone out of date. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have the insulation built into them. This means that they won't have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

Loose, cracked or rotting casings around your windows are not attractive and could cause other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the surrounding wood you may be able to sand it and paint it to enhance its appearance.

If the exterior casing of your home is damaged, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to prevent water from destroying the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and practical improvement to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Window sills and frames are typically close to the elements, and they are subject to a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Moisture is the primary reason for paint peeling around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure in the paint film causes it to lose 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 when you notice the paint chipping. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative to the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiled oil before painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into wood, allowing the new paint to stick better.

If paint starts to chip, it's the time to consider repairing your window. Before applying a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with a utility knife. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut through the underlying sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the surface has dried, sand again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a base that is ready to receive paint. Use the proper safety equipment when using paint that is based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the specific paint tin you're using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the paint's can as they differ depending on the type of paint. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior grade.

Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing frames. If your Window Doctor Near Me frames can't be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to winds, rain and bugs. If the crack or break is not too severe you can fix it yourself. It is important to address small cracks as soon as you notice them prior to them getting more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.

There are a variety of ways to make broken glasses virtually invisible. But, this is not a project that can be done by a DIYer. Even a tiny chip can cause a crack in the glass, which could lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This protects it from the outside and prevents air or moisture from leaking through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Before putting on the plastic, put on your protective eyewear and gloves, and remove the broken pane of glass from its frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that pin the pane in position. Make use of the knife to remove any bare wood, then finish it off with Linseed or a clear sealer.

The glass can be put back in its original position using epoxy. This option is the longest-running, but will give your glass a more substantial appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener equally. This allows you to precisely control how much epoxy is applied to the window, which will help ensure a solid seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are intact. These gases are crucial for insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside in summer. If you take the glass off these gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills by using the same procedure for repairing cracks on other kinds of glass.