12 Facts About Window Repair To Bring You Up To Speed The Cooler. Cooler

Why  window repairs  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 allows wind, rain insects, and other unwelcome elements to enter your house.

While it is not possible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from spreading further.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows, a replacement is usually necessary. The moisture can damage the wood inside your window frame and cause the frame to rot. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without destroying the structural integrity of your current frames.

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

Another issue that is often required for replacement is a failed seal between double-paned windows. This could be the result of debris or condensation between the two panes or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Many modern windows come with insulation built in. This means they can't experience the same issues that older multi-paned windows.

A cracked, loose or rotting casing around your window is ugly and could lead to other problems. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. You may be able to sand it and repaint the casing to improve its appearance, depending on the condition and surrounding wood.

If the exterior casing of your home is damaged It is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop moisture from damaging the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Chipped or Peeling Paint

Window sills and frames are often close to the elements and suffer a lot from the sun and rain. Paint peeling around windows is mostly caused by moisture, especially when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation inside, or from snow and rain outside. No matter the source it is important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and help the new paint hold better.

If paint begins to peel off, it's time to repair your window. To remove any paint that may stray, place a dropcloth or tarp over the area before applying a new coat. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility blade. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut into the underlying sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.

Once the area is dry then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready for painting. Use the correct safety equipment when you're using lead-based paint. Tape off any surfaces that are near to the sanded region, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

Then paint, prime and then paint according to the directions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Make sure to adhere to the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint can as they will differ by type. Paint the exterior with exterior grade paint and the interior with interior-grade.

Window replacements can be expensive However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is relatively affordable and can be a viable alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind rain, insects and wind. You may be tempted to replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if you don't have too severe of a crack or break. You should address small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they become worse due to temperature changes or time.

While there are many methods to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip could cause a weak spot to the glass, which could lead to more breaks and costly replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This covers the crack from the outside and blocks air or moisture from getting through, which can damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before removing the broken glass from the frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to take off the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. You should also use the knife to pry out any wood that's bare and then clean and seal the area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This option is the most time-consuming but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This allows you to precisely control the amount applied to the glass, which helps ensure a good seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are essential for insulating and keeping the heat inside your home during the winter, and outside in the summer. If you remove the glass these gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same method used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.