13 Things You Should Know About Window Repair That You Might Not Know

Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a small pebble by a lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A damaged window allows rain, wind insects, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.
While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible, there are ways to fix it and stop it from spreading further.
Water Damage
Water that is leaking out of your window frame is an indication that you need to replace it. The moisture can damage the wood inside your window frame and cause rot. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company can replace your windows, without compromising the strength of your existing frames.
Wood rot can affect the inside and outside of your windows. If your wood windows have rotting spots repairs may be possible in the event that the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has spread to the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) it could be necessary to rebuild the windows. This can be more expensive than buying a new set.
A failed seal between double-paned window panes is another issue that requires replacement. This can be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Modern windows have insulation built in. This means they can't experience the same issues that older multi-paned windows.
Cracked, loose, rotting, or missing the casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. A damaged casing does not 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 and repaint it to enhance its appearance.
If your exterior casing is in bad shape it is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant paint to keep moisture from causing damage to the window. The installation of a new exterior casing could be an attractive and functional improvement to your home.
Chipped or Peeling Paint
Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer a lot from sunlight and rain. Peeling paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, particularly when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. It is essential to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint begin to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preservative on the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiling oil prior to painting. This will help slow the penetration of moisture into wood, allowing the new paint to stick better.
If paint begins to peel off, it's time to repair your window. Before you apply a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working to catch any stray drops of paint. Clean any paint that is loose with a utility blade. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut into the sheathing beneath. Allow window repair to dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.
Once the surface is dry, sand it again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that is ready for paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces adjacent to the sanded area like baseboards. This will shield them from paint.
Then, prime and paint according to the directions on the specific paint tin you're using. Be sure to follow the curing and temperature guidelines on the paint as they will differ by type. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.
Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Cracked Glass
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to wind, rain and bugs. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if you don't have too severe of a crack or break. You should address small cracks immediately prior to them getting worse due to temperature changes or time.
While there are many methods to make broken glass invisible but this is an extremely high task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip could cause a crack in the glass, which can result in more breakage and costly replacement. The best 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 can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Before you put on the plastic wear gloves and safety glasses and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll need a scraper, utility knife or chisel for removing any old glazing points that hold the pane into place. You should also employ the knife to cut away any wood that is unfinished and then clean and seal the area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.
Then, you can make use of epoxy to stick the glass back to its original position. This is the slowest alternative, but it will also give your glass a more substantial appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that distributes resin and hardener in a similar way. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy that is applied to the window, which helps ensure a good seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are intact. These gases are crucial for insulating your home and ensuring that heat is kept in the winter months and out during summer. If you remove the window, the gases will escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills with the same method that is used to repair cracks in other types of glass.