The 10 Worst Window Repair Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble thrown from the lawnmower or a large beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A damaged window could let rain, wind, bugs and other undesirable elements to get into your home.

While it is not possible to make a damaged window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and stop it from spreading further.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. The moisture can cause damage to the wood of the frame of your window and cause rot. It can also 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 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. However in the event that the rot has spread to your mullions or muntins (the parts of the frame of your window that hold the glass panes) they might need to be rebuilt. This may cost more than a new set of windows.

A failed seal between double-paned windows is another issue that requires replacement. It could be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes, or it could be an indication that the insulation in your window has failed. Modern windows have insulation built in. This means they don't face the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

Cracked, loose or rotting casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. window repairs Chatham damaged casing doesn't suggest that it's time to replace your windows, but. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood around it you may be able to sand or repaint it to enhance its appearance.

If your exterior casing is damaged, you may only need to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior painting 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.

Paint that is peeling or chipped


Window frames and sills are usually close to the elements and suffer a lot from sunlight and rain. Moisture is the primary reason for the peeling of paint around windows, especially if the wood is exposed. The water seeps in to the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture may be from condensation in the interior, or from rain and snow on the exterior. Whatever the cause it's essential to scrape and sand the surface and then repaint when the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters apply a water-repellent preservative, or thinned boiled linseed oil the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and make the new paint hold better.

If paint starts to chip, it's the time to consider repairing your window. To capture any paint that might stray onto the floor, place a dropcloth or tarp over the area before applying a new coat. Remove any loose paint with an utility knife. Be careful not gouge the wood beneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

After the area has dried then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a base that is ready to receive paint. Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment when you're using lead-based paint. Tape off any surfaces near to the sanded region like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according the instructions on the tin that you are using. Follow the curing and temperature instructions on the paint's can, as they will vary depending on the type. Also, make sure to paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.

Repairing chipped or peeling painted frames is a less expensive alternative to replacing frames. If your window frames are unable to be repaired, it might be worth upgrading to more energy efficient windows.

Cracked glass

A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to wind rain, insects and wind. You may be tempted to replace the glass, but you could also fix it yourself if you don't have too severe of crack or break. Repair small cracks immediately prior to them getting more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.

There are many ways to make cracked glasses virtually invisible. However this isn't something that is achievable by DIYers. Even a tiny chip can cause a weak spot to the glass, which can result in more breakage and costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. It covers the crack from the outside and prevents air or moisture from getting through, which could damage the frame or seals around the windows.

Before you put on the plastic, put on your gloves and safety glasses and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. You'll require a scraper, utility knife, or chisel to remove any glazing points that hold the pane in place. It is also recommended to make use of the knife to pull out any wood that is empty, then clean and seal that area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

You can then apply epoxy to glue the glass back in place. This is the most time consuming however it will give your glass a more substantial appearance. Choose the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener equally. This allows you to control exactly how much is applied to the glass which will ensure a solid seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are essential for insulating and keeping warm inside your home in the winter and outside during summer. If you remove the window the gasses will escape and cause it to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace the gas fills by using the same procedure used to repair cracks in other kinds of glass.