When water seeps through cracks and chips in window glass or rotted frames, it can damage interior surfaces as well as ruin a home’s curb appeal. Fortunately, many common window problems are easy fixes for the do-it-yourselfer.

Start by wearing gloves to protect your hands from broken glass. If a stuck upper or lower sash is impeding your view, removing paint layers that hold the sash to the frame might fix the problem. However, if you need some professional assistance, you can call Handyman Naperville IL.

A cracked window pane can compromise the security of a home and allow outside air to permeate its interior. However, a broken windowpane is a relatively easy fix for DIYers who have access to the proper tools and materials. The first step is to make sure you have the correct glass, which can usually be obtained from a hardware store or online. A damaged windowpane can be replaced with a new one that’s identical to the original or a newer, more energy-efficient model. Depending on the age of the frame and the surrounding sash, it may also be an opportunity to upgrade to a more durable type of glass, such as insulated or tempered glass.

When replacing a single-pane window, it’s typically best to work from a ladder or scaffold tower rather than attempting to remove and replace the pane while standing on the ground. Wear thick gloves, eye protection, and a face mask to protect yourself from any sharp or flying shards of glass. Once you have a safe working area, start by removing any old glazing points from the wooden frame with a putty knife or pliers. Then, carefully remove the old window pane. If it’s a fixed-style window, you should use a hammer and chisel to carefully wiggle the sash until it comes out of its frame.

Once the sash is removed, you’ll need to repair the frame around the new windowpane. Roll glaziers’ compound into a three- to four-inch-thick cord and apply it around the inside edges of the frame, using a putty knife to smooth it down. If the frame has been painted, it’s a good idea to prime and then paint the entire surface to prevent moisture from seeping in and damaging the new glass.

If you want a more long-term solution, epoxy repair can make a crack in the window glass look as if it never existed. Follow the directions on the product you purchase to properly mix and apply it to the surface of the glass. You’ll need to clean the glass before applying epoxy, and the finish won’t be as beautiful as a professionally repaired window, but it should keep the crack from worsening for a while.

Sash

Sash windows are a common feature in old homes. They add character and charm but can also cause problems such as draughts, rattles, sticking, and a lack of functionality. In many cases, a thorough overhaul is needed to restore them to good working order. In addition to repairing the glass, sash, and frame, draughtproofing is recommended to improve energy efficiency and reduce noise penetration. Restoration and refurbishment of sash windows on a like-for-like basis is preferable to replacement as it retains the historic fabric and saves on costly upheaval and disruption.

While the process of replacing a window may seem daunting, it is possible to replace only one or two panes. This is particularly useful in older homes, where detailed wood windows are difficult to replace or match.

The first step is to inspect the sash for damage or wear. This can be done by gently moving the window up and down. Any areas of sagging or stiffness should be repaired, as they can contribute to the loss of balance. Also look for rot in the wooden frame around the sash and check that the weather stripping is in good condition.

Once the sash has been inspected and any deteriorated parts have been repaired, it is time to clean. This is a great opportunity to do some wood preservative treatments and paint touch-ups where necessary. A homemade wood preservative can be made from one-half mineral spirits and one-half boiled linseed oil. This needs to be left to dry for at least two days, and then a shellac-based primer can be applied.

Before the window is reassembled, it is important to bed the glass in a layer of glazing compound to ensure that there are no gaps and the panes are held firmly in place. It is then a simple matter of reattaching the cords or chains and sliding the window back into place. The stops and parting beads are then replaced as required.

If you have a lot of sash windows, it is a good idea to lay down dust sheets before starting work to prevent a mess. It is also a good idea to have a workmate and some form of support to help you raise and lower the sashes.

Frame

Wood rot can be devastating to a house’s frame, especially in unsealed areas like window sills and trim. It is easy for rain and humidity to find their way into unprotected wood and cause extensive damage within a short amount of time. If left unchecked, rot around windows can lead to mold growth, deteriorating insulation, and crumbling framing members. If the rotting is extensive, it may be necessary to remove entire sections of the trim or frame and replace them with new wood. However, there are ways to repair rotted wood in windows without replacing them completely.

If the rot is contained to a small section of the window frame or sill, an epoxy wood filler can be used to patch the area and leave no visual trace of the splice repair. This is also a great option for repairing the sills of bay windows and other types of frames where rot tends to accumulate more easily.

To prepare the damaged area for the epoxy wood consolidant, sand it down and scrape off any existing paint or varnish. Next, mix the powdered epoxy according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a putty knife to smear the syrupy glue into all cracks, splits, and gouges. Stretch masking tape across any smaller defects to prevent the glue from spreading out of control. After the glue is dry, sand the repaired area smooth and prime or paint it as desired.

There are two ways to replace a window frame: a full-frame replacement and a partial replacement. A full-frame replacement is the most expensive, but it will ensure that any rotting wood is replaced with high-quality timber that can last for decades. Partial replacements are more cost-effective, but they will not be as durable as a full-frame replacement.

Ultimately, it’s up to the homeowner to decide whether or not to invest in a new frame. Replacing a window is not an easy project, and it requires the help of a professional joiner who can match the new frame to the existing pieces. However, if a wooden frame is in very poor condition and cannot be saved with wood fillers or splice repairs, replacement is the only option.

Hardware

Window hardware is comprised of the locks, handles, and hinges that make your windows operable. Whether you have single-hung, double-hung, or sliding windows, it is important to keep them in good working condition. When you have trouble opening or closing your windows, it is often caused by problems with the track or jamb. This can be repaired with a little bit of simple maintenance. For example, you can clean and lubricate the track or jamb with a product like Alum-a-lub. You can also check the block and tackle balance or spiral balance and replace them if needed.

Another common problem is a leaking window. The best way to fix this is to determine where the leak is coming from and repair it accordingly. For example, if the leak is from a gap between the frame and the wall, you can patch this with caulk or epoxy. If the wood is rotting, it may be best to replace the window.

It is also important to ensure that your operating sash is plumb with the frame. This helps to avoid optional binding and makes the sash easier to open and close. You can test this by hanging a weight from the bottom of your sash and observing if it swings freely or struggles to move.

Donna Haywood