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Can It Be Saved? How to Repair or Replace Damaged Windows

Windows are not only part of room ventilation but also an integral piece of design aesthetics. Windows give your house a unique look from both inside and out. This is why it is necessary to take good care of them. Windows can get damaged due to several reasons. Hence, it is essential to know the basics of windows damage repair for every homeowner.

In this blog, we will talk about different types of window damages, and how they can be repaired. Sometimes repairing is not good enough, so we will also review when to replace your windows and how. Don’t worry about the window replacement cost, we will get it covered.

Repairing Window Damage:

Here are the tools you will need:

  • Utility knife.
  • Putty knife or pry bar.
  • Pliers.
  • Chisel.
  • Cat’s paw.
  • Hammer.
  • Measuring tape.
  • Handsaw.
  • Reciprocating saw.

Identifying the Damage:

Usually, damage can happen either to the glass or frame of your window. But different kinds of damage can occur to different kinds of windows.

Hail Storm Damage:

Make sure it is safe to step outside after a storm before stepping outside to check window damage from hail. The screen can be bent or glass can be either broken or cracked. Also, the frame might be cracked due to a heavy hail storm. In such a case you can use the following measures to determine your next step:

  • If the glass has some cracks which are not longer than one-third of the total width then you can just repair it.
  • You will need concealing tape or packing tape. The tape will be applied to the full length of the crack on both sides of the glass. Keep pressing and adjusting them.
  • If there is space in the crack then you may need adhesive fillings to fill it up.

Rotten Wood:

  • The wooden frame of a window can be rotten. Most of the time it is a fungus which makes it rotten. Sometimes water leaking can be the cause. We can identify this type of damage by various methods. 
  • Press on various places on the frame. If it is hard, as wood should be, then it is intact. If you feel a softness there, it means it has started rotting. 
  • Sometimes you may see color peeled off from the frame, which indicates rotting due to water leakage. 

Repairing water damage found on an interior window sill is necessary to prevent further damage spreading further into the window frame. Follow these steps to repair the water damage:

  • Remove the rotten part to stop it from spreading.
  • Then use a drill to make holes.
  • Fill the filler, but apply epoxy to create a base.
  • Let it dry for at least ten minutes, apply again if needed.
  • Pour the liquid into the hole and use a putty knife to give it a nice shape up to the frame surface.

Compression Damage:

Windows can have compression damage due to uneven temperature on both sides of the glass. If you live in a cold place and use an air heater regularly, then you might have this problem. One solution to this is to keep windows open for the time when it is a little warm outside. That will circulate the air evenly, which will stop this kind of damage. Another solution is to put an exhaust fan or chimney to let the air circulate without allowing cool air to enter the room. Compression damage can also turn into rotten damage as moisture can turn into water drops and may come in contact with a wooden frame. Remember, ventilation is the best solution to compression damage.

When Window Glass Is Beyond Repair:

When window glass is bent or cracks are longer than half of the width, it is better to replace it than repair it. Cracks can be tricky to identify. If a window has a crack near the frame on more than one side then it can create a problem in near future, so you might want to just replace it. No adhesive or tape is sufficient to hold it together for a longer time.

How to Replace Window Glass:

  • Measure the thickness of the glass, it is usually 1/5 inches. You will need to have glass cut a little less to the exact length and width. That means if your window width is 15 inches then you might want to have glass which is 0.12 inches shorter width, i.e. 14.88 inches.
  • You may choose double-thick glass for durability.
  • Clear the space around the window, so you can move the glass freely.
  • Get the frame cleaned and remove the old putty.
  • Check the when it is dry and apply linseed oil for smoothness.
  • Put the glass into the frame and use putty seal it. You may have to press it properly.
  • For exact placing use a putty knife and give a smooth finish.

When to Replace a Window:

Sometimes replacing the glass or repairing the frame is not enough. One may have to consider replacing the window itself. You may do it in the following situations:

  • If the window frame is broken and cannot hold the glass.
  • If the wooden frame is rotten more than fifteen percent.
  • If the lower part of the wooden frame is rotten.
  • If the supporting framework is damaged.
  • If glass replacing cost is nearer to window replacing cost.

Also, repairable damage is determined by how old the window is, how many times it has been repaired, and how much future damage can it endure. If it is older than ten years then you may want to replace it. If it has been repaired three or more times in the last five years then it is better to replace it. If it is a relatively new piece and is much damaged then you may want to buy a better-quality new window. You can find the perfect replacement windows at our Window Liquidators website.

How to Replace a Window:

  • Remove the old window by following these steps.
  • Clean the window opening.
  • Use flashing tape.
  • Check the window by putting it into the opening.
  • Lock it by using screws and shims.
  • Remove the gaps by filling them.
  • After measuring the height install trim.
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