Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble that was thrown from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window could allow wind, Double glazing repairs St Albans rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to enter your home.

While it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from becoming worse.

Water Damage

If water is getting into your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture can cause rot in the wooden frame of your window. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. A reputable window company can replace your windows, without compromising the strength of your existing frames.

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

Another issue that often requires replacement is a faulty seal between the double glazing repairs St Albans panes of your windows. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be a sign that your window's insulation has failed. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. This means they don't face the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

Unattractive casings, such as those that are damaged, cracked, loose or rotten, as well as missing, could cause other issues. It is not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it you might be able to sand or repaint it to improve its appearance.

If your exterior casing is damaged, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop water from destroying the window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be a stylish and practical improvement to your home.

Paint chipped or peeling

Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and are prone to suffering from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure under the film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior or rain and snow on the exterior. No matter the source it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint as soon as the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters apply a water repellent preservative to the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into wood, which helps the new paint to hold better.

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

Once the area is dry, sand it again with a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a substrate that is ready to receive paint. Use the correct safety equipment if you're using lead-based paint. Tape off any surfaces that are close to the sanded surface, such as baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

Then paint, prime and then paint as directed on the specific paint tin you're using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint, as they will vary depending on the type of paint. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.

Repairing peeling or chipped painted frames is a more affordable alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair however, it might be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.

Glass that has cracked

A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to winds rain, insects and wind. If the crack or tear isn't severe enough you can repair it yourself. It is important to address small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they become more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.

There are many ways to make damaged glasses almost invisible. However, this is not an easy task that can be completed by DIYers. Even a small crack will cause a weakness in the window, which can result in further cracks and a more expensive replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. This will cover the crack from the outside, which stops moisture or air from leaking through. This could cause damage to the frames or seals around windows.

Before you put on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety eyewear and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need an utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any old glazing points that bind the pane in place. Use the knife to remove any bare wood, then seal it with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.

Then, you can make use of epoxy to stick the glass back to its original position. This option is the most time consuming however it will give your glass a more substantial appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double glazing repair Leatherhead-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount applied to the glass which will ensure a solid seal.

When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are crucial to keep heat inside your home in the winter months, and outside in summer. If you remove the window, the gases escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same procedure used to repair cracks in other types of glass.