This Week's Best Stories About Window Repair Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble that was thrown by the lawnmowers or a large drink placed on your table with a glass top. A window that is damaged allows wind, rain, insects and other unwanted elements to get into your home.

While it is not possible to make a damaged window completely invisible but there are ways to repair it and prevent it from becoming worse.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of your window frame. It could also affect the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.

Wood rot is a different issue that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have windows made of wood with spots of rot, it might be possible to repair them, if they're not too much damaged. If the rot has reached your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) it could be necessary to rebuild them. This could cost more than a new set of windows.

A deteriorated seal between double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. It could be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be an indication that your window's insulation has been damaged. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. They won't have the same issues as older windows that have multiple panes.

Unattractive casings, such as ones that are loose, cracked, rotten, or missing, can cause various issues. A damaged casing doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, however. Depending on the condition of your casing and the surrounding wood, you may be able to sand it and paint it to improve its appearance.

If the casing on the outside isn't in great condition, a new layer of weather-resistant paint for your exterior might be all you need to stop moisture from destroying your window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a beautiful and practical upgrade to your home.

Paint that is peeling or chipped

Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements, which means they are subject to a lot of wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the main reason for the peeling of paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood, and once it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. No matter the source it is important to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint the area as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative to the bare wood and thinned boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce moisture penetration into the wood, which will help the new paint to stay better.

If paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. To catch any paint that has strayed on the surface, put a drop cloth or tarp on the surface before applying a fresh coat. With a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

After the area has dried and dry, you can sand it with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface ready to accept paint. Use the proper safety equipment when you're using paint based on lead. Clean the sanded area and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to the directions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Make window repairs Canterbury to adhere to the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint, as these will vary by type. Make sure you paint the exterior surface with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior grade.

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

Cracked glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain, bugs, and other unwelcome critters. You may be tempted to replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if you don't have too severe of crack or break. You should address small cracks immediately prior to them getting more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.

There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses appear as if they are not there. But this isn't something that is achievable by DIYers. Even a tiny chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which can result in more breakage and a costly replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, which stops moisture or air from leaking through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.

Put on your protective glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need to use an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that pin the pane into position. Utilize the knife to cut away any wood that is not used, then finish it off with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can use epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This is the most time consuming, but will give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured onto the window, which will help to ensure a strong seal.

When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, make sure that the gas fills are intact. These gases are crucial to keep the heat inside your home during the winter months, and outside in summer. If you remove the glass these gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same procedure used for repairing cracks in other kinds of glass.