20 Things You Should Ask About Window Repair Before You Buy Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble thrown from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window may allow wind, rain bugs, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.

While it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible but there are ways to fix it and stop 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 damage to the wood of your window frame and cause rot. It can also compromise the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window company can replace your windows, without compromising the strength of your existing frames.

Wood rot is another issue that affects both the interior and the exterior of your window. If your wood windows have rotting spots repairs may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. However when the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This can be more costly than buying a new set.

A failed seal between double-paned windows is another issue that requires replacement. This could be caused by condensation or debris between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation inside your window is failing. A lot of modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't be afflicted with the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.

Casings that are ugly, such as those that are loose, cracked or rotten, as well as missing, can cause other problems. A damaged casing alone doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, though. You may be able to sand it and then repaint it to improve its appearance based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.

If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to keep water from destroying the window. Alternatively, you can install 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 from the sun and rain. Moisture is the main reason for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly if the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood, and once it evaporates the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture may be caused by condensation inside, or snow and rain outside. Whatever the cause it's essential to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative to the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into wood, allowing the new paint to hold better.

If paint starts to crack, it's time to consider repairing your window. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. Remove any loose paint with an utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.

Once the surface has dried, sand again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that is ready to receive paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when you're using paint based on lead. Clean the sanded surface and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.

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

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

Cracked glass

A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain, bugs, and other unpleasant creatures. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if it's not too large crack or break. You should address small cracks right away before they get worse due to temperature changes or time.

There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses appear as if they are not there. But, this is not something that is achievable by a DIYer. Even a small chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which could cause more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. It covers it from the outside and prevents moisture or air from seeping through, which could damage the frame or seals around windows.

Put on your safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any old glazing points that hold the pane in the frame. Also, you should employ the knife to cut away any wood that is unfinished, then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

You can then make use of epoxy to stick the glass back in place. This is the most time-intensive option, but it will also give your glass a more robust appearance. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass which will ensure a solid seal.

When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make get more info 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 during summer. If you remove the glass the gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced by using the same procedure for repairing cracks on other kinds of glass.