14 Cartoons About Window Repair That Will Brighten Your Day

Why Window Repair Is Necessary

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

While it is impossible to make a cracked window completely invisible however, there are ways to fix it and prevent it from becoming worse.

Water Damage

If water is seeping through your windows it is likely that a replacement is necessary. The moisture can damage the wood of your window frame and cause the frame to rot. It can also compromise the efficiency of your window's energy use. A reputable window replacement service can replace your frames without causing damage to them.

Wood rot is a different issue that affects both the interior and exterior of your window. If your windows are made of wood and have spots of rotting, a repair may be possible when the rot isn't advanced. If the rot has spread to your mullions and muntins (the parts of the window frame that support your glass panes) You may have to replace them. This can be more costly than buying a new set.

Another issue that is often required for replacement is a damaged seal between your double-paned windows. This could be due to condensation or debris between the double-paned windows or it could be a sign that the insulation in your window is failing. Many modern windows come with insulation built-in. They won't be afflicted with the same problems as older windows that have multiple panes.

A cracked, loose, rotting, or missing casing around your window is unattractive and can lead to other problems. A damaged casing alone doesn't mean it's time to replace your windows, though. Depending on the condition of your casing and the wood surrounding it, you may be able to sand it and paint it to improve its appearance.

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

Paint that has chipped or peeled

Window sills and frames are often close to the elements and are prone to suffering from sunlight and rain. Moisture is the main cause for paint peeling around windows, particularly when the wood is exposed. The water seeps into the wood and when it evaporates, the pressure beneath the paint 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 scrape and sand the surface when you notice the paint begin to chip. Some skilled artists apply a water repellent preservative on the wood that is unfinished and then thinned with boiled oil before painting. This will help slow moisture penetration into the wood, which helps the new paint to stick better.

When paint begins to chip, it's time to consider repairing your window. Before you apply a new coat, put a drop cloth or tarp on the area you're working on to catch any loose drops of paint. With a utility knife, carefully scrape away any paint. Be careful not to cut the wood below or cut into the sheathing underneath. Allow the area to dry completely after thoroughly cleaning it.

After the area has dried then sand it once more using a fine-grit sanding block. This will prepare the surface for primer and create a surface ready to accept paint. If you're working with lead-based paints, be sure to use the appropriate safety equipment. Clean the sanded area and tape off any adjacent surfaces, such as baseboards, to protect them from paint.

You can then prime and paint according the instructions on the tin that you are using. Make sure to adhere to the curing and temperature guidelines for the paint as they will differ by type. Also, make 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, but repairing chipped or peeling paint is inexpensive and a good alternative to replacing the entire frame. If window repair are damaged beyond repair however, it could be worthwhile to upgrade them to newer windows that are more energy efficient.

Cracked Glass

A damaged window can make your home vulnerable to wind, rain bugs, and other unpleasant critters. It's tempting to just replace the glass, but you could repair it yourself if you don't have too big of crack or break. It's best to address small cracks as soon they occur, so that they don't become worse as time passes or temperature fluctuations.

There are a variety of ways to make cracked glasses appear as if they are not there. However, this is not something that can be completed by a DIYer. Even a tiny chip could cause a weak spot to the glass, which could result in more breakage and an expensive replacement. A great solution is to cover the crack with a piece of plastic. The plastic covers the crack from the outside, preventing air or moisture from passing through. This could damage the frames or seals around windows.

Before you put on the plastic and putting on your gloves and safety eyewear and take the broken piece of glass from its frame. Utilize a utility knife, scraper or chisel, to take off the old glazing points that hold the pane in place. It is also recommended to employ the knife to cut away any wood that is bare, then clean and seal the area with linseed oil or a clear wood sealer.


The glass can be put back in its original position with epoxy. This is the most time-intensive method, but it can also give your glass a more robust appearance. If you are using epoxy, select the double-cylinder version that disperses the resin and hardener in the same proportion. This allows you to control exactly how much is applied to the glass which helps ensure a good seal.

When resetting double- or triple pane windows, make sure the gas fills are in good condition. These gases are important for insulating your home and ensuring that heat stays inside during winter and out in summer. If you remove the glass these gases escape through the crack, causing the window to lose its energy efficiency. You can replace gas fills in the same way as to repair cracks on other types of glass.

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Pub: 04 Feb 2024 10:35 UTC

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