The Comprehensive Guide To Window Repair Why Window Repair Is Necessary

A pebble thrown by a lawnmowers or a large drink set on your glass-topped coffee table are among the many factors that can cause cracks in window glass. A damaged window may let rain, wind bugs and other harmful elements to enter your home.

While it is impossible to make a damaged window completely invisible however, there are ways to repair it and stop it from getting worse.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows it is likely that a replacement is required. The moisture can damage the wood inside the window frame and cause rot. It can also reduce the energy efficiency of your windows. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows, without compromising the strength of your existing frames.

Wood rot can impact the inside and outside of your windows. If you have wooden windows with rotting areas, it may be possible to repair them if they are not terribly damaged. If the rot has spread to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes), you may need to replace them. This could cost more than a new set windows.

Another common issue that requires replacement is a faulty seal between the double panes of your windows. This can be a result of debris or condensation between the two panes or it could indicate that the insulation in your window has been damaged. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. This means that they won't have the same issues as older multi-paned windows.

A cracked, loose or rotting casings around your windows are ugly and could lead to other problems. A damaged casing alone doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, though. You might be able to sand it and then repaint it to enhance its appearance, depending on the condition and surrounding wood.

If the exterior casing of your home is damaged it is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior paint to keep moisture from damaging the window. Installing new exterior casing can be a beautiful and practical upgrade to your home.

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window frames and sills are often in close proximity to the elements and are prone to suffering from rain and sunlight. Moisture is the primary reason for peeling paint around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. window repairs near me seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the film causes it to lose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation on the interior or from rain and snow on the exterior. It's important to sand and scrape the surface immediately you notice the paint start to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood before painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and help the new paint hold better.

If paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before applying a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Using a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.

Once the surface has dried, sand again using a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface to receive primer and create a substrate that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paint make sure you use proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces that are adjacent to the sanded area like baseboards. This will protect them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according to instructions on the tin you are using. Make sure to adhere to the curing and temperature guidelines for the paint as they differ by type. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior of the surface with an exterior-grade paint, and the interior with an interior grade.

Window replacements can be expensive Repairing chipped or peeling paint is relatively inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are damaged beyond repair however, it could be worth upgrading them to more modern windows that are more energy efficient.

Cracked Glass


A damaged window can make your home exposed to the elements of rain, wind bugs, and other unwelcome critters. You might be tempted to just replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if it's not too large crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon as they occur, before they get worse with time or temperature fluctuations.

While there are many methods to make damaged glass invisible however, this is not a good order for a DIY project. Even a small chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which can lead to more breaks and an expensive replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, and prevents air or moisture from getting 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 utility knife, scraper or chisel to get rid of any glazing points that hold the glass in place. Use the knife to remove any wood that is not used, then seal it with the linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into its original position with epoxy. This is the longest-running but it will give your glass a more robust appearance. When using epoxy, choose the double-cylinder model that distributes the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This lets you precisely control how much epoxy is applied to the window, which can help ensure a solid seal.

If you have double- or triple-pane windows, be certain that the gas fills remain intact when you resetting the glass. These gases are essential for insulating your house and ensuring that heat stays inside during winter and out in the summer. If you take the window off, the gases will escape and cause it to decrease its energy efficiency. Gas fills can be replaced in the same way as for repairing cracks on other types of glass.