Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by the lawnmower or a heavy drink set on a glass-topped coffee table are some of the many things that can cause cracks to glass in windows. A damaged window may allow wind, rain bugs, Window Doctor and other unwelcome elements to infiltrate your home.

There are many ways to fix broken glass and stop it from spreading.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. Moisture can cause rot in the wood of your window frame. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company will replace your windows without destroying the strength of your existing frames.

Wood rot can affect the exterior and interior of your windows. If your wood windows have spots of rotting repairs may be possible if the rot isn't too advanced. If the rot has spread to your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the Window Doctor frame that support your glass panes) it could be necessary to replace the windows. This can be more costly than purchasing a new set.

A damaged seal between the double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be caused by condensation or debris between your double-paned windows, or an indication that the insulation of your window replacement has gone out of date. Modern windows have insulation built in. They won't be afflicted with the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.

The ugly casings, like those that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, or even missing, can create various issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. You may be able sand it and then repaint it to make it look better based on the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.

If the exterior casing of your home is in bad shape It is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to stop moisture from damaging the window. Installing new exterior casing can be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements and suffer a lot from the sun and rain. Paint peeling around windows is caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure below the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. Whatever the cause, it's important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preserver to the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into wood, allowing the new paint to stay better.

If paint begins to chip off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any scattered drops of paint. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility blade. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut into the sheathing beneath. Let the area dry completely after scrubbing it thoroughly.

Once the surface has dried, sand again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that is ready for paint. Use the proper safety equipment if you're using paint based on lead. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it like baseboards to protect them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according the instructions on the tin you are using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the can of paint because they'll differ depending on the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.

Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. 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 broken window could leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain, bugs, and other unpleasant critters. If the break or crack isn't too serious you can fix it yourself. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they occur, before they get worse due to time or temperature fluctuations.

There are a variety of ways to make damaged glasses appear as if they are not there. However, this is not a project that can be completed by a DIYer. A small crack can create a weak spot in the window, which can eventually lead to further breaks and a more expensive replacement. A good solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This will cover the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from getting through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.

Wear protective glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need to use a utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any old glazing points that hold the pane into position. You should also use the knife to pry out any wood that's unfinished and then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can make use of epoxy to stick the glass back in place. This is the most time consuming but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. Select the double-cylinder dispenser that distributes resin and hardener in a similar way. This allows you to control exactly how much is applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are crucial for insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter, and outside in summer. If you take the glass off these gases escape through the crack, window Doctor causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method that is used to repair cracks in other types of glass.