10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden That Will Help You With Window R…

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

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

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

Water Damage

Water that is leaking out of the window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture could damage the wood of the frame of your window and cause rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows without destroying the integrity of your existing frames.

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're not too far gone. However when the rot has reached your muntins or mullions (the parts of your window doctor near me frame that hold the glass panes), they may need to be replaced. This can cost more than a new set of windows.

A damaged seal between the double glazing repair-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be the result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has been damaged. A lot of modern windows have insulation built in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

A cracked, loose 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 has become damaged. You may be able sand it and then repaint it to improve its appearance, depending on the condition and surrounding wood.

If your exterior casing is in bad shape, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to keep moisture from causing damage to the window. Installing new exterior casing can be a stylish and practical upgrade to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements, so they take a lot of abuse from sunlight and precipitation. The peeling of paint around windows is caused by moisture, particularly if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior, or snow and rain outside. Whatever the cause it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some meticulous painters add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to prevent moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.

If paint starts to chip, it's time to repair your window. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to slash the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

Once the surface is dry, sand it again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that is ready for paint. Use the correct safety equipment when using lead-based paint. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

Then, prime and paint as directed on the specific tin of paint you're using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the paint's can as they differ depending on the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.

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

Cracked Glass

A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome creatures. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if you don't have too big of crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they occur, so that they don't become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.

There are many ways to make cracked glasses appear as if they are not there. But this isn't an easy task that can be done by a DIYer. Even a tiny chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which could lead to more breaks and costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. It covers it from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Before you put on the plastic and putting on your 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 old glazing points that hold the glass in place. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then seal it with linseed or a clear wood sealer.

You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This method is the most time consuming but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are essential for insulating your home and keeping heat in the winter months and out in the summer. If you take the window off the gasses will escape and cause it to reduce its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method that is used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.