Window Repairs: 11 Thing You're Forgetting To Do When to Call in a Professional and When to Do it Yourself

Window repairs can be expensive. It's important to know when you should hire an expert, and when to complete the work yourself.

A seal failure is indicated by water and dirt leaking through the window panes. This could make windows inefficient, leading to greater energy bills.

Glass that has chipped or cracked and sash issues can be repaired with adhesives sold in auto maintenance stores.

Cracked Glass

A stray piece of your lawnmowers that hits the window or a hit from a window or door handle that's been slammed could crack glass. The good news is that cracked glass that isn't broken into pieces or a double-paned window that has an opening through both panes can be repaired by cleaning the area thoroughly and applying epoxy to the surface, and then let it cure.

This is the longest-running solution but also the most effective. Epoxy, which is thermosetting plastic, gives your windows the strongest seal and can make a crack nearly disappear if done correctly. After cleaning the windows, fill the cracks using the epoxy. This may take several attempts to cover the entire surface area.

The kind of epoxy you require will differ based on the size and type of the cracks. For smaller repairs, look for a two-part mixture consisting of two components: a hardener and a resin. Most of these products come with a syringe to control the flow of the resin and the hardener, however you can also make use of a wooden stick to accomplish this. Mix the epoxy for around 20 seconds to let it become more dense before applying it. You only have about 5 to 10 minutes to apply it before it starts to set.

For cracks that are more extensive, consider using a glass adhesive instead of epoxy. You can find glass adhesive in auto repair shops that are designed to repair windshields, but works just as well on windows at home. The product comes with clear instructions to guide you in the application procedure.

After the epoxy has set then scrape off any excess with a razor blade and clean the window with a clean rag that has been soaked with acetone, to get rid of any epoxy that is raised above the crack. Spray the glass cleaner over the repaired window and polish it with a clean rag. Your windows will look like new.

Stress cracks can develop on any surface of glass and are likely to spread across the entire window if they are not addressed promptly. These cracks are often caused by temperature fluctuations between your home and the outside. However, they can be caused by repeatedly closing your windows or using excessive force to open them.

Broken Seals

Whether your window has a triple or double pane or insulated it will be susceptible to failure of the seal over time. The window seal keeps an air gap between two areas that are of different temperatures, i.e, the outside air and the inside air. This can prevent moisture build up and condensation. If the seal fails, moisture can spread between windows, which can cause them to fog or drip. Foggy windows can be unattractive and can cause water damage or rot.

Fogging up windows is the primary sign of a broken window seal, however it's not just a matter of time. Moisture that escapes between the window panes can actually extend over a larger area than just the glass itself, so it is essential to spot and fix this issue as soon as it is possible.

Failed seals may cause a host of problems that go beyond the appearance and performance of your window, such as a higher than normal energy bill as outside air finds its way into your home. upvc window repair is particularly true of windows which were previously insulated with gasses that are inert, such as argon and krypton, which are used to enhance their insulation capabilities.


Although a damaged seal isn't as urgent as a broken window, it is still an important problem to address. A leaky seal can lead to moisture in the walls of your home, rotting wood, and even mold, so it is recommended to consult a window company close to you immediately you detect any signs of a damaged seal.

It is recommended to engage an expert to replace the entire IGU. This is the most popular method to fix a damaged seal, but it's only possible in the event that the frame isn't damaged. It is also possible to apply weatherstripping or caulk around the sash, however this is more challenging and less long-lasting than replacing the whole window. Finally, some companies offer an option for just replacing the IGU without replacing the frame, but this can be a challenge and should be done by a certified window installer.

Expansion/Contraction Between Sashes/Frames

One of the most frequent problems faced by homeowners is the breakage of a window glass pane. This type of damage, whether caused by a baseball or a storm, should be repaired as quickly as is possible. Repairing a damaged window can be costly and difficult because a new layer of glass has to be created to match the existing frame. The first step is to determine if the window frame or sash has been damaged. This will allow you to determine the best course of repair.

For instance windows made of older wood will typically have the "stop," a thin strip of wood that prevents the top sash from moving but allows the bottom sash to slide open. If the stop is worn or broken, it can create a draft because air can get in between the sashes. This can be addressed with a replacement piece however, this is a case where it would probably make more sense to replace the entire window.

Another indication that a window is in need of major repairs is if it lets excessive noise in. The purpose of windows is to insulate the home If the windows let in too much traffic noise or other noises from the streets, it may be time for a replacement.

Many New Orleans homes have tall double-hung wooden windows made of sash. They allow breezes to flow throughout the house in hot temperatures. Lowering the top sash helps to ventilate the home and lets cool air in from outside and raising the bottom sash pushes humid air and hot air out of the home. If these windows are not working as they should, it can be a result of an accumulation of paint on the jambs, or an deterioration of the weight and pulley system that is hidden within the frame.

In most cases, taking out the paint build-up and then repairing the window's components can restore function of windows. However, sometimes it makes more sense to replace the window completely to ensure its long-term durability. This is especially true when major construction projects are planned that will include windows in the near future. If the repair cost is similar to the cost of a new replacement window, then a complete replacement could be a good idea.

Fog in between panes

When a double-pane window is causing fog, it's usually due to the fact that the seal between the glass panes has failed. This problem is most prevalent in humid environments where moisture in the wooden frame can cause the seal to decay and let air seep in. In this situation it is more beneficial to replace the window than repair it.

Foggy windows can be a hassle particularly because it is difficult to clean the moisture that has accumulated between the glass panes. This can affect the efficiency of your window and make it difficult to see outside. Fogging could also signal other issues like mold and rot on the frame or on the materials surrounding it.

Condensation is the most frequent reason for the presence of moisture between glass. Condensation occurs by cool surfaces that absorb waterborne vapors from the air and then release the vapor as the surface warms. It is a typical natural phenomenon that can be observed on various surfaces including windows. If you're able to wipe the condensation off your window, it's likely just humidity that has cooled off, and then settled on the cooler glass.

In certain cases, the glass can become permanently fogged due to condensation or other issues that have weakened the seal between the panes. If this happens, contact the manufacturer of your window to find out if the windows are still covered under warranty. If they are replacement windows, the cost to replace them will likely be much cheaper than repairing them.

Some companies will repair or replace double-pane windows, without having to remove the sash. This is often done by drilling a hole between the panes, vacuuming out the trapped moisture and then installing vents in the window to allow air circulation. This can be a good way to get rid of the fogging, but it's often short-lived. It doesn't repair or replace the inert gases between the panes. The best way to get rid of persistent fogging is to replace the IGU. If you are not ready to replace your IGU (insulated glazing unit), you can still employ defogging solutions to eliminate moisture between the panes.