20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass can be caused by a small pebble by the lawnmowers or a large beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A broken window can 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 leaking through your windows, a replacement is usually required. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of your window frame. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows, without compromising the integrity of your existing frames.

Wood rot can impact the inside and outside of your windows. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to fix them if they are not terribly damaged. If the rot has reached your muntins and mullions, (the parts of the window frame that hold your glass panes), you may need to rebuild them. This can be more costly than purchasing a new set.

A failed seal between double-paned window panes is another common problem that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation of your window is failing. A lot of modern windows have insulation built in. They won't be afflicted with the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.

Loose, cracked or rotting casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. It is not necessary to replace your windows if the casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it, you may be able to sand or paint it to improve its appearance.

If your exterior casing is in bad shape, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to keep moisture from causing damage to the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional improvement to your home.

Paint that is peeling or chipped

Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements and are prone to suffering from sunlight and rain. The peeling of paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. Water seeps through the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure below the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. It is essential to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.

When paint starts to peel off, it's time to repair your window. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility blade. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut through the sheathing beneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

After the area has dried then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that is ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paint ensure you're using the appropriate safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces adjacent to the sanded area, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to the directions on the specific paint tin you're using. Follow the temperature and curing instructions on the can of paint as they differ depending on the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade paint.

Window replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to winds, rain and bugs. If the crack or tear is not too severe, you can repair it yourself. Repair small cracks right away prior to them getting more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.

There are a myriad of methods that claim to make cracked glass nearly invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip could cause a weak spot to the glass, which can cause more breaks and an expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This protects it from the outside and stops moisture or air from seeping through, which can harm the frame or seals around the windows.

Before you put on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety glasses and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper or chisel for removing any glazing points that bind the pane into place. It is also recommended to make use of the knife to pull out any wood that's bare, then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can apply epoxy to glue the glass back into place. This option is the most time consuming however it will give your glass a more substantial appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener equally. This lets you 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 are intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are important for insulating your home and keeping heat in during winter and out during summer. If you take the window off, the gases will escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency.  window repair Leatherhead  can replace gas fills in the same way as to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.