10 Tell-Tale Signs You Need To Look For A New Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble that is thrown by the lawnmowers 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 unwelcome elements to get into your home.

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

Water Damage

The sight of water leaking through your window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture could damage the wood of your window frame and cause rot. It can also 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 inside and outside of your windows. If your wood windows have rotting spots, a repair may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. However in the event that the rot has spread to your muntins or mullions (the parts of your window frame that hold the glass panes) They may have to be replaced. This could cost more than a new set of windows.

Another common issue that requires replacement is a failed seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris that has formed between the double-paned windows or an indication that the insulation of your window has gone out of date. Fortunately, many modern windows have insulation in them. This means that they won't have the same issues as older multi-paned windows.

Loose, cracked, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is not attractive and could cause other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You may be able to sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance based on the condition and surrounding wood.

If the casing on the outside isn't in good shape, a new layer of weather-resistant exterior paint might be the best solution to keep moisture from damaging your window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casing to give an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Frames and window sills are usually close to the elements, so they can take a lot abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Peeling paint around windows is mostly caused by moisture, and is particularly so if exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure in the film of paint causes it to loose adhesion and peel. Moisture can come from condensation in the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. Regardless of the source, it's important to scrape and repairer sand the wood and then repaint the area as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood prior to painting to prevent moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.

If paint starts to chip, it's the time for a window repair. To capture any paint that may stray on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp over the area before applying a fresh coat. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut through the sheathing beneath. Allow the area to dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.

Once the surface has dried, sand again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

Then paint and prime according to the instructions on the specific paint tin you're using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint as they differ by type. Also, make sure to paint the exterior window repair with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior-grade.

Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it could be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain bugs, and other unpleasant creatures. If the crack or break isn't too serious you can fix it yourself. It is important to address small cracks immediately prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or the passage of time.

There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses appear as if they are not there. However, this is not an easy task that can be completed by DIYers. Even a tiny chip could create a weak spot in the glass, which can cause more breaks and costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, which stops air or moisture from passing through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.

Before putting on the plastic wear protective eyewear and gloves, and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. Use a utility blade scraper, chisel or chisel to cut off the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. Use the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then seal it with linseed or a clear wood sealer.

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

When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are important for insulating your home and keeping heat in during the winter and out in summer. If you remove the glass these gases will escape through the crack and cause the upvc window repairs to lose efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced by using the same procedure to repair cracks on other types of glass.