13 Things You Should Know About Window Repair That You Might Not Have Known Why Window Repair Is Necessary

Cracks in windows can be caused by a pebble that was thrown from the lawnmower, or a heavy beverage placed on the table that has a glass top. A damaged window may allow wind, rain, bugs and other undesirable elements to infiltrate your home.

While it is impossible to make a window that has been damaged completely invisible, there are ways to repair it and prevent it from getting worse.

Water Damage

If water is getting into your windows replacing them is typically required. The moisture can damage the wood of the window frame and cause the frame to rot. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window manufacturer can replace your windows without damaging the integrity of your existing frames.


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

A failed seal between double-paned windows is another issue that requires replacement. This could be due to condensation or debris between your double-paned windows, or a sign that the insulation in your window has failed. Many modern windows come with insulation built in. This means they don't face the same issues as older, multi-paned windows.

Loose, cracked or rotting the casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other issues. window repair is not necessary to replace your windows if your casing is damaged. You might be able to sand it and repaint it to enhance its appearance in accordance with the condition of the wood surrounding it and its condition.

If the exterior casing of your home is in poor condition It is possible to apply a fresh coat of weather-resistant exterior painting to stop moisture from damaging the window. Alternatively, you can install new exterior casings to offer an attractive and functional upgrade to your home.

Paint that has peeled or chipped

Window sills and frames are often in close proximity to the elements and suffer from sunlight and rain. Moisture is the main reason for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. Water seeps through the wood, and when it evaporates the pressure beneath the film of paint causes the paint to peel. The moisture can be caused by condensation in the interior or snow and rain outside. No matter the source, it's important to clean and sand the surface and then repaint as soon as the paint starts to chip. Some meticulous painters add a water-resistant preservative or thinned boiled linseed oil to the wood prior to painting to reduce the penetration of moisture and make the new paint hold better.

When paint begins to crack, it's time to consider repairing your window. Before you apply a new coat, lay a drop cloth or tarp over the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. Get rid of any paint that has fallen off using a utility knife. Be careful not to cut the wood underneath or cut through the sheathing. Let the area dry completely after cleaning it thoroughly.

After the area is dry, sand the area again with a fine sanding pad. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface that is ready to receive paint. If you're working with lead-based paints ensure you're using proper safety equipment. Clean the surface you sanded and tape off any adjacent surfaces like baseboards to protect them from paint.

Then paint, prime and then paint according to the instructions on the specific tin of paint that you're using. Be sure to follow the curing and temperature guidelines for the paint as they will differ according to the type of paint. Finally, be sure to paint the exterior surface with an exterior-grade paint and the interior with an interior grade.

Window replacement can be costly However, repairing damaged or peeling paint is inexpensive and is an effective alternative to replacing the entire frame. If your window frames are beyond repair, it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer, more energy efficient windows.

Cracked Glass

A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to rain, wind, bugs, and other unwelcome critters. You might be tempted to replace the glass, but you can also fix it yourself if it's not too severe of crack or break. Repair small cracks right away before they get more severe due to temperature fluctuations or time.

There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses virtually invisible. But, this is not something that is achievable by an amateur. Even a small chip can create a weak spot in the glass, which could cause more breaks and costly replacement. Covering the crack with plastic is a great solution. It covers the crack from the outside and blocks moisture or air from seeping through, which can harm the frame or seals around windows.

Put on your safety glasses and gloves prior to taking the broken glass out of the frame. Utilize a utility knife scraper, chisel, or scraper to remove the old glazing points that keep the glass in place. You should also use the knife to pry out any wood that is unfinished and then clean and seal that area with Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.

The glass can be put back in its original position using epoxy. This option is the most time-consuming however it will give your glass a more solid appearance. Select the double-cylinder epoxy dispenser that dispensing resin as well as hardener in a similar way. This allows you to precisely control the amount of epoxy that is applied to the window, which will help ensure a solid seal.

When you are resetting double or triple pane windows, be sure the gas fills are not damaged. These gases are important to insulate your home and ensuring that heat is kept in the winter months and out in the summer. If you remove the window the gasses will escape and cause the glass to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as to repair cracks on other kinds of glass.