9 . What Your Parents Taught You 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 one of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A broken window lets rain, wind insects, and other unwelcome elements to enter your home.

While it is not possible to make a damaged window completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and stop it from becoming worse.

Water Damage

The sight of water leaking through your window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture can cause damage to the wood inside the window frame and cause the frame to rot. It can also reduce the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows, without compromising the integrity of your existing frames.

Wood rot is another problem that affects both the inside and exterior of your window. If you have wood windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them if they are not terribly damaged. However when the rot has reached the mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes), they may need to be rebuilt. This can be more costly than buying a new set.

Another common issue that requires replacement is a damaged seal between double-paned windows. This could be caused by condensation or debris between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation in your window has failed. Fortunately, many modern windows have the insulation in them. They won't be afflicted with the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.

A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood surrounding it you may be able to sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance.

If your exterior casing is damaged It is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to prevent moisture from damaging the window repairs. You can also install new exterior window Repair casings to offer an attractive and practical improvement to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements and are prone to suffering from the sun and rain. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood, and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. Moisture can come from condensation on the interior or from rain and Window repair snow on the outside. Whatever the cause it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the bare wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and make the new paint hold better.

If paint starts 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. With a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

After the area has dried, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will make the surface ready for primer and create a surface ready to accept paint. Use the correct safety equipment if you're using paint based on lead. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

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

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

Cracked Glass

A broken window leaves your home open to wind rain, insects and wind. You may be tempted to just replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if you don't have too large a crack or break. You should address small cracks immediately before they get worse due to temperature changes or time.

There are many ways to make broken glasses virtually invisible. But this isn't a project that can be done by DIYers. Even a tiny chip can cause a crack in the glass, which could cause more breaks and a 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 damage the frames or seals around windows.

Before putting on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety eyewear and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. Utilize a utility knife, scraper or chisel, to take off the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. Utilize the knife to cut away any wood that is bare, and then seal it with Linseed or a clear sealer.

Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the most time-intensive option, but it will also give your glass a more solid look. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows, make sure that the gas fills remain intact when you reset the glass. These gases are essential for insulating your house and ensuring that heat stays inside during the winter and out in the summer. If you take the window off the gasses will escape and cause the glass to decrease its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced using the same method as to repair cracks in other types of glass.