This Week's Most Popular Stories About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

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

While it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible but there are ways to fix it and prevent it from becoming worse.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows, a replacement is usually necessary. Moisture can cause rot to the wooden frame of your window. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames with no damage to them.

Wood rot is a different issue that can affect both the interior and Repairmywindowsanddoors the exterior of your window. If you have wood windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to fix them if they are not terribly damaged. However, if the rot has spread to your muntins or mullions (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This can be more expensive than purchasing a new set.

Another issue that often requires replacement is a damaged seal between double-paned windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris that has formed between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation inside your window has gone out of date. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. 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 ugly and could lead to other issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You may be able to sand it and then repaint it to enhance its appearance, depending on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.

If the exterior casing isn't in good shape, a new layer of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be the best solution to stop moisture from destroying your window. You can also install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements, and they can take a lot abuse from sunlight and precipitation. Moisture is the main reason for paint peeling around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure in the paint film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. It is important to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint begin to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative on the wood, and then thin boiled oil before painting. This helps to slow moisture penetration into the wood, allowing the new paint to stick better.

If paint begins to peel off the window, it's time for repairing your window. To remove any paint that has strayed on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp on the surface before applying a new coat. Remove any loose paint with a utility blade. Be careful not to slash the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the area is dry, sand the area again with a fine sanding pad. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a substrate ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paint, be sure to use proper safety equipment. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any other surfaces like baseboards to shield them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according the instructions on the tin you are using. Be sure to follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint, as these will vary by type. Make sure you paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior repairmywindowsanddoors grade.

Window replacements can be expensive However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are beyond repair, however, it could be worth upgrading them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.

Cracked glass

A damaged window leaves your home open to wind, rain and bugs. If the crack or break isn't severe enough, you can repair it yourself. You should address small cracks immediately before they get more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.

There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses almost invisible. However this isn't an easy task that can be done by DIYers. Even a tiny chip could cause a weak spot to the glass, which can result in more breakage and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This will cover the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from getting through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.

Before you put on the plastic wear gloves and safety eyewear and then remove the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need to use an utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that hold the glass in the frame. Also, you should make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is empty, then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the most time-intensive alternative, but it will also give your glass a more robust look. Select the double glazing Stratford-cylinder dispenser that distributes resin and hardener in a similar way. This allows you to determine exactly how much 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 crucial for insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter months, and outside in summer. If you remove the glass these gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.