5 Repair Window Projects For Every Budget

When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when fixing your windows. First, you should wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from cutting you during your work.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window. This will stop rain, snow and insects out of your home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked glass can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball or stress, such as a sudden temperature change, but it is crucial to get them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning properly.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not broken. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the elements.

However, if the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to seek out a professional. An experienced glazier will be able to determine the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are typically with a starburst-like pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be dangerous if they come loose. This crack can compromise the gas that is between the panes of the double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack, that develops slowly as time passes because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually can develop into complete breaks.

A more serious but feasible crack is the pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of high or low air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're ready to take further than nail polish and tape, there are a few other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY method, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window look like it did not have cracks in the first place!

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness under your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or decaying, it might be time for a windows repair. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the house.

If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame it's a good idea to seek out a professional to help you repair the issue immediately. Don't put off leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.

In many instances, caulking can be used to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area, though, and get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris as time passes.

If windows are double-paned, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. you can try this out will ensure a seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. As time passes, the seal can get worn out and let water into your home.

The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indication of a leak. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. You might also find peeling paint caused by the effects of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in the classic multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. They're mostly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

The effects of rain or wind can harm the support of a single piece or small group of them, creating an opening in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle parts.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that does not leave traces. Then, take off any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.

If you're experiencing an issue that is more serious such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in the middle of the window then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.





Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows feature a complete pane of glass, with the muntins being glued to the surface creating a divided appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however.

Installing a drip cap can stop water from getting into the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They're a lot easier to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functionality as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time to get some help. A damaged sash, left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed the sash cords. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off the metal tabs holding the sash. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to take it off. You'll need to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords are located.

It is crucial to check the metal tabs on the old sash to those of the new one. If they're not the same, it can be difficult to put the new sash in its correct slot and could affect how well the sash functions. This can be corrected by putting the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your windows for problems or decay. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down as time passes. If you notice any visible damage it should be repaired as soon as you can to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements as well.