The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Been Hearing About Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass can be caused by a small pebble by a lawnmower or a large beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A broken window allows wind, rain, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your house.

There are many ways to fix damaged glass and prevent it from spreading.

Water Damage

If water is leaking through your windows replacing them is typically required. The moisture can cause rot in the wood of the frame of your window. It could also decrease the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window replacement company can replace your frames without causing damage to them.

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

Another common issue that requires replacement is a faulty seal between the double panes of your windows. This could be due to condensation or debris that has formed between your double-paned windows, or it could be a sign that the insulation of your window has failed. Modern windows have insulation built-in. This means they can't experience the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

The ugly casings, like those that are cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, could cause various issues. A damaged casing does not mean it's time to replace your windows, however. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood around it, you may be able to sand it and repaint it to improve its appearance.

If the exterior casing of your home is damaged it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to keep water from destroying the window. The installation of new exterior casings can be an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

window doctor near me sills and frames are usually close to the elements and suffer a lot from sunlight and rain. Paint peeling around windows is caused by moisture, especially if exposed wood is involved. Water seeps into the wood, and when it evaporates the pressure beneath the paint film causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation inside, or from snow and rain outside. Regardless of the source it's essential to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to prevent moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.

When paint begins to crack, it's time to repair your window. Before you apply a new coat, put 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 an utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

When 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 substrate ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paints make sure you use proper safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any surfaces adjacent to it like baseboards to protect them from paint.

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

Window replacement can be costly, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are beyond repair, it could be worth upgrading them to newer, more energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to winds, rain and bugs. If the break or crack is not too severe you can fix it yourself. It is best to fix small cracks as soon as they occur, before they get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.

There are many ways to make cracked glasses appear as if they are not there. However this isn't a project that is achievable by a DIYer. Even a small chip can cause a crack in the glass, which could cause more breaks and a costly replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with plastic. It covers it from the outside and stops air or moisture from leaking through, which can harm the frame or seals around windows.

Put on your protective glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass off the frame. You'll need a scraper, utility knife or chisel to get rid of any old glazing points that bind the pane into place. Make use of the knife to remove any wood that is bare, and then apply Linseed or a clear sealer.

The glass can be glued back into the position using epoxy. This is the most time-consuming however it will give your glass a more solid appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy that is poured into the window, which can help ensure a solid seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure that the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are important for insulating your home and ensuring that heat stays inside during the winter and out in summer. If you take the glass off, those gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. You can replace gas fills by using the same procedure for repairing cracks on other kinds of glass.