How To Explain Window Repair To Your Grandparents

Why Window Repair Is Necessary
Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble thrown from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your table with a glass top. A broken window can allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to enter your home.
There are ways to repair a cracked glass and stop it from spreading.
Water Damage
If water is getting into your windows, a replacement is usually required. Moisture can cause rot to the wood of the frame of your window. It also can reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window company can replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.
Wood rot is another issue that can affect both the interior and exterior of your window. If you have wood windows with decaying areas, it might be possible to repair them if they are not terribly damaged. If the rot has reached your 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 costly than buying a new set.
Another issue that often requires replacement is a faulty seal between your double-paned windows. It could be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window has failed. A lot of modern windows have insulation built-in. They won't have the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.
A cracked, loose or rotting casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other issues. It's not necessary to replace your windows if the casing has become damaged. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood surrounding it, you may be able to sand it and paint it to improve its appearance.
If your exterior casing is in poor condition It is possible to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to stop moisture from causing damage to the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casing to provide an attractive and practical improvement to your home.
Paint that has peeled or chipped
Frames and window sills are usually close to the elements, and they can take a lot wear and tear from rain and sunlight. Peeling paint around windows is primarily caused by moisture, and is particularly so when exposed wood is involved. The water seeps in to the wood and, when it evaporates, the pressure in the film causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the outside. It's important to scrape and sand the surface as soon as you see the paint start to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and help the new paint hold better.
When paint starts to chip off the window, it's time for repairing your window. Before you apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any stray drops of paint. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape off any paint that is loose. Be careful not gouge the wood underneath or cut into the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.
Once the area is dry then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a base 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 shield them from paint.
Then paint, prime and then paint according to the directions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Be sure to follow the temperature and curing guidelines on the paint as they differ according to the type of paint. Paint the exterior with exterior-grade paint, and the interior surface with interior-grade.
Window replacements can be expensive, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames cannot be repaired, it may be worth upgrading to newer energy efficient windows.
Glass that has cracked
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to winds, rain and bugs. window repair tempting to replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if it's not too severe of a crack or break. It's recommended to address small cracks as soon they occur, so that they don't get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.
While there are many methods to make broken glass invisible however, this is not a good task for a DIY. Even a tiny chip can cause a crack in the glass, which could result in more breakage and an expensive replacement. The best solution is to cover the crack with plastic. This will cover the crack from the outside, which stops moisture or air from leaking through. This can damage the frames or seals around windows.
Put on your safety glasses and gloves before removing the broken glass from the frame. Use a utility blade, scraper or chisel, to take off the old glazing points that secure the pane. Use the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then seal it with Linseed or a clear sealer.
The glass can be put back in its original position using epoxy. This is the longest-lasting alternative, but it will also give your glass a more robust look. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder type that dispenses the resin and hardener in equal proportion. This lets you control exactly how much is applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.
When resetting double- or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are essential for insulating your house and keeping heat in during the winter and out during summer. If you take the glass off, those gases escape through the crack and cause the window to lose efficiency. You can replace the gas fills using the same method that is used to repair cracks in other types of glass.