This Weeks Best Stories Concerning Window Repair

Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in window glass can be caused by a small pebble from the lawnmower or a large drink placed on your glass-topped table. A window that is damaged lets rain, wind, insects and other unwanted elements to enter your home.
There are many ways to fix a cracked glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is seeping through your windows replacing them is typically necessary. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of the frame of your window. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.
Wood rot is another problem that can affect both the interior and the exterior of your window. If you have wooden windows with rotting areas, it may be possible to fix them if they are not terribly damaged. If the rot has gotten to the mullions and muntins, (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes), you may need to rebuild them. This can cost more than a new set of windows.
Another issue that often requires replacement is a damaged seal between your double-paned windows. It could be a result of condensation or debris between the two panes, or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has failed. Fortunately, the majority of modern windows have insulation in them. They won't be afflicted with the same issues as older windows with multiple panes.
Unattractive casings, such as ones that are loose, cracked or rotten, as well as missing, could cause various issues. A damaged casing doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, however. You may be able sand it and then repaint it to improve its appearance, depending on the condition and surrounding wood.
If your exterior casing is in poor condition, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to keep moisture from damaging the window. Alternately, you can put in new exterior casings to offer an attractive and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that has chipped or peeled
Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer from sunlight and rain. Peeling paint around windows is caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps into wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be from condensation on the interior, or from rain and snow on the exterior. It is important to scrape and sand the surface immediately you notice the paint chipping. Some meticulous painters apply a water repellent preserver to the wood, and then thin boiling oil prior to painting. This can help to reduce moisture penetration into the wood, which helps the new paint to stick better.
If paint starts to chip, it's time for a window repair . Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working to catch any loose drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not to slash the wood below or cut the sheathing beneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Once the area is dry, sand the area again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready to accept paint. Use the correct safety equipment when you're using paint that is based on lead. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any adjacent surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.
Then paint, prime and then paint as directed on the specific tin of paint you're using. Make sure you follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint can as they differ by type. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade.
Repairing damaged or peeling painted frames is a cheaper alternative to replacing them. If your window frames are beyond repair, however, it might be worth upgrading them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.
Cracked Glass
A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to wind and rain, as well as bugs. If the crack or break is not too severe, you can repair it yourself. It is best to fix small cracks as soon they happen, before they get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.
There are a variety of ways to make broken glasses virtually invisible. However this isn't an easy task that can be done by an amateur. A small crack can cause a weakness in the window, which can result in further cracks and a more expensive replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This covers the crack from the outside, preventing air or moisture from passing through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.
Before putting on the plastic wear protective eyewear and gloves, and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll require a scraper, utility knife or chisel for removing any glazing points that pin the pane in position. 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.
You can then make use of epoxy to stick the glass back to its original position. This is the slowest method, but it can also give your glass a more substantial look. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin and hardener in a similar way. This allows you to precisely control how much epoxy is poured into the window, which will help ensure a solid seal.
When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are essential for insulating your home and ensuring that heat is kept in during the winter and out in the summer. If you take the glass off these gases will escape through the crack, causing the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same procedure used for repairing cracks in other types of glass.