Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass can be caused by a pebble thrown by a lawnmower or a large beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A damaged window could allow wind, rain bugs and other harmful elements to enter your home.

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

Water Damage

If water is getting into your windows, a replacement is usually necessary. The moisture can cause damage to the wood of the frame of your window and cause the frame to rot. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows, without compromising the structural integrity of your current frames.

Wood rot can affect both the exterior and interior of your windows. If your windows are made of wood and have rotting spots, a repair may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. However, if the rot has reached your mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes) They may have to be replaced. This could be more expensive than buying a brand new set.

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 between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation in your window is failing. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. They won't have the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.

Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other issues. A damaged casing doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, however. You may be able sand it and repaint the casing to improve its appearance based on the condition of the wood and the surrounding.

If your exterior casing is in poor condition it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop moisture from causing damage to the window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window sills and frames are often close to the elements and suffer from sunlight and rain. Moisture is the main cause for peeling paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. Water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. Moisture may come from condensation inside, or rain and snow outside. It's important to sand and scrape the surface as soon as you see the paint start to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and make the new paint hold better.

When paint begins to crack, it's time for a window repair. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to cut the wood beneath or cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

When the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that is ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use the proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the tin you are using. Be sure to follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint can as they will differ according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade paint.

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

Cracked Glass

A damaged window can make your home vulnerable to rain, wind bugs, and other unpleasant critters. If the crack or break is not too severe, you can repair it yourself. It is best to fix small cracks as soon they occur, so that they don't get worse with time or temperature changes.

There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses appear as if they are not there. However, this is not an easy task that is achievable by DIYers. Even a tiny chip could cause a weak spot to the glass, which could lead to more breaks and costly 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 cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.

Put on your safety glasses and gloves before taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll require a utility knife, scraper, or chisel to remove any glazing points that pin the pane into the frame. Make use of the knife to remove any bare wood, window repair then finish it off with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.

You can then use epoxy to glue the glass back to its original position. This option is the most time consuming, but will give your glass a more robust appearance. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This allows you to precisely control how much epoxy is poured into the window, which will help to ensure a strong seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are crucial to insulate your home and keeping heat in during the winter and out in the summer. If you take the glass off these gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced in the same way as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.