Window Repair: The Ugly Facts About Window Repair Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in window glass could be caused by a pebble thrown from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on your glass-topped table. A window that is damaged allows rain, wind insects, and other unwelcome elements to get into your home.

While it is not possible to make a cracked window completely invisible, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from becoming worse.

Water Damage

The sight of water leaking through the window frame is a sign that you should replace it. The moisture can cause damage to the wood in your window frame and cause the frame to rot. It can also compromise the energy efficiency of your window. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames with no damage to them.

Wood rot can impact the inside and outside of your windows. If you have wooden windows with spots of rot, it might be possible to fix them if they're not terribly damaged. However, if the rot has spread to your mullions or muntins (the parts of the window frame that support the glass panes) they might need to be replaced. This could cost more than a new set of windows.

A failed seal between double-paned window panes is a different issue that requires replacement. This could be the result of condensation or debris between the two panes or it could be an indication that your window's insulation has been damaged. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. They won't face the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.

A cracked, loose or rotting the casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. A damaged casing alone doesn't necessarily mean that it's time to change your windows, however. Depending on the condition of your casing as well as the wood around it you may be able to sand and repaint it to enhance its appearance.

If the exterior casing of your home is damaged, you may only need to apply a new coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to keep moisture from damaging the window. Installing new exterior casing can be a stylish and practical upgrade to your home.

Paint that has peeled or chipped

Window sills and frames are usually close to the elements and are prone to suffering 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 of paint causes it to loose adhesion and peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or snow and rain outside. Whatever the cause it is important to scrape and sand the wood and then repaint when the paint begins to chip. Some skilled painters add a water-repellent preservative or thinned boiled Linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to slow moisture penetration and allow the paint to hold better.


If the paint begins to peel off and cracks appear, it's time to fix your window. Before applying a new coat, place a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any stray drops of paint. Utilizing a utility knife carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to gouge the wood below or cut the sheathing underneath. Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Once the area is dry then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a base that's ready for painting. If window repairs working with lead-based paints, be sure to use proper safety equipment. Tape off any surfaces adjacent to the sanded area, such as baseboards. This will shield them from paint.

Then, prime and paint according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint you're using. Follow the curing temperature and temperature guidelines on the can of paint, as they will vary depending on the type. Make sure you paint the exterior surface with a paint that is exterior-grade and the interior with an interior-grade.

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

Cracked Glass

A broken window could leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind bugs, and other unwanted creatures. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you could also repair it yourself if there isn't too severe of a crack or break. Repair small cracks as soon as you notice them before they get more severe due to temperature fluctuations or the passage of time.

There are many ways to make damaged glasses almost invisible. But this isn't an easy task that can be done by a DIYer. Even a tiny chip could cause a crack in the glass, which can lead to more breaks and a costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a good solution. This covers the crack from the outside, preventing air or moisture from getting 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. You'll require a scraper, utility knife, or chisel to remove any old glazing points that bind the pane into place. Also, you should use the knife to pry away any wood that is empty and then clean and seal the area with the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be glued back into the position by using epoxy. This is the longest-running but it will give your glass a more solid appearance. If you're using epoxy, opt for the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in a similar proportion. This lets you precisely control the amount of epoxy is applied to the window, which helps to ensure a strong seal.

When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are crucial to keep heat inside your home in the winter, and outside in summer. If you take the glass off the gases will escape through the crack and cause the window to lose energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills by using the same procedure to repair cracks in other types of glass.