The Biggest Issue With Window Repair And How You Can Resolve It

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by the lawnmowers or a heavy drink that is set on your glass-topped coffee table are one of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A damaged window may let rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome elements to infiltrate your home.

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

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames with no damage to them.

Wood rot can affect the exterior and interior of your windows. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they are not too much damaged. If the rot has gotten to the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window doctor near me frame that hold your glass panes) it could be necessary to rebuild them. This could be more expensive than buying a brand new set.

Another common issue that requires replacement is a damaged seal between the double panes of your windows. This can be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes or it could indicate that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Modern windows have insulation built in. They won't be afflicted with the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.

Unattractive casings, such as those that are cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, can cause various issues. A damaged casing doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, however. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it you might be able to sand and repaint it to enhance its appearance.

If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape It is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to keep moisture from damaging the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer a lot from sunlight and rain. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure below the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. It is important to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood before painting to slow moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.

If paint starts to crack, it's time to repair your window. To catch any paint that has strayed, 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 through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.

After the area has dried, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a base that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paints make sure you use proper 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 to the instructions on the tin you are using. Be sure to follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint can as they differ according to the type of paint. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior-grade.

Window replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames can't be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window Doctor could leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain bugs, and other unwanted critters. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can repair it yourself if it's not too big of crack or break. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they happen, before they get worse with time or temperature changes.

There are a myriad of methods to make cracked glass nearly invisible, this is a tall order for a DIY project. A tiny crack could create a weak spot in the glass, which could result in further cracks and a more expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a viable solution. This covers the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from passing through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before removing the broken glass from the frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that pin the pane in the frame. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then apply the linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be put back in the position with epoxy. This is the most time-intensive method, but it can also give your glass a more solid look. If you are using epoxy, select the double glazing-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This allows you to control exactly how much is applied to the glass which ensures a strong seal.

When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are intact. These gases are crucial to insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside during summer. If you take the window off, the gases escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same procedure used to repair cracks in other types of glass.