All of us know that windows are essential elements of any home, combining both beauty and function. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space, but they also play a pivotal key in improving ventilation and maintaining energy efficiency.
That said, worn-out windows can be a real hassle, and they can affect the comfort of your whole home. You might be wondering how to fix house windows. Spend some time googling solutions. But look no further; you’re in the right place! Here, we’re going to walk you through how to tackle the problem yourself.
But before we get into “how,” let’s first take a look at four signs showing a window pane replacement or window repair.
4 Signs You Need Window Replacement or Window Repair
1- Foggy windows:
While it’s perfectly normal for windows to get foggy every now and then, having windows that are constantly fogged up shows something’s going wrong. Typically, a consistently foggy window indicates a failing seal, and in most cases, replacing the seal will resolve the issue.
2- Leaking window:
When you notice any water coming through your window when it’s raining, that’s a sign to act immediately. Please take this warning so seriously: water damage can happen from even the tiniest of leaks—and quickly, too. A leaking window can be caused by things like deteriorated seals or cracked glass.
3- More Bugs:
One or two bugs in your home is normal, as they can enter in a variety of ways. But more bugs than usual could mean your window is the problem.
4- Increasing Energy Bills:
Have you ever noticed your energy bills increasing inordinately? If you find you’re spending more money on energy bills, the issue might be with your windows. Always remember that windows play a key role in insulating your homes—and their impact is significantly bigger than you might think.
How to Fix House Windows?
Now, it’s time to answer the first question: “How to fix house windows yourself?” While a big issue can be solved by an experienced, professional window replacement contractor, there are numerous problems you can handle on your own. So before calling in a pro, take a look at this guide to see if it can get your window back in working order—and save hundreds of dollars.
Home Window Fixing On Your Own
A crack in a window glass should be replaced or repaired immediately, as they can worsen over time. Before anything, you should take a moment to examine what type of glass you have. And also, you need to determine the severity of the crack.
Repairing a single-pane window is a simple DIY project; however, repairing a cracked double-pane window will require hiring a professional, like EsnaGlass. Also, handling a severe crack is not easy, and you may need to ask a pro for help.
If you’re dealing with a small crack, follow these steps to fix the issue:
Step 1: Clean the Glass
Use a small amount of dish soap or a damp cloth to clean the glass and remove the dirt, dust, and oil on it.
Step 2: Mix Epoxy
Following the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific brand you’re using, mix a two-part epoxy on a disposable surface like a paper plate or piece of cardboard. Most brands use a simple half-and-half mixture of resin and hardener. Once resin and hardener are mixed together, you’ll have roughly 10 minutes to act before the mixture hardens and becomes too stiff to spread on the crack.
Step 3: Spread Epoxy
Using a putty knife to spread the epoxy on the crack. When you’re spreading it, be careful not to press too hard. Once the crack is filled, let the epoxy cure for about 5 minutes to dry. Then, scrape away any excess epoxy with a razor blade. It’s also a good idea to pour a few drops of acetone onto a rag or paper towel to perfectly remove the epoxy that has risen out of the crack. Afterward, the only thing left to do is let the window cure for 24 hours.
Repairing Rotted Wood Around a Window
Wood frames will rot over time due to constant exposure to the elements. Similarly, if moisture finds its way into your room, window sills can suffer similar damage. If you notice signs of moisture, act immediately because once the wood starts to rot, it will spread quickly and damage other structural parts of your window. In the early stage, epoxy wood filler can help and fix the problem.
Before repairing your window frame, inspect the damage thoroughly. If more than 10% of the window frame is damaged, it’s best to consider replacing the entire window.
Use wood filler
For small areas of rot, epoxy wood filler can be a great solution. It’s effective for spots where the rot extends just a few inches into the wood. To begin, use a screwdriver or a knife to check the depth of the rot, and then remove all of the damaged wood with a hammer, putty knife, or chisel. Once the rotten wood is gone, mix and apply the epoxy wood filler to fill the empty space.
Note: Different epoxy brands have slightly different mixing and application directions, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions before applying the filler.
Once the wood filler has cured, sand the patch smooth and paint it to match the rest of the wood.
Use an Insert
What if the depth of the rot is more than a few inches? Definitely, wood filler can’t help. In this case, the best idea is to replace the rotted section of wood entirely. Keep in mind that this method requires some basic carpentry skills, so if you’re unsure about your ability, contact a window installer to help.
As with any rotting wood, start by removing the damaged area from the window frame with a putty knife, hammer, or chisel to clear away all the rot. Once the area is clean, measure the gap thoroughly since you’ll need to fit a new piece of wood into the empty space.
After cutting the new piece, check the fit. If it fits well, apply primer and paint to the entire surface to protect it from moisture.
When the paint dries, secure the new piece in place with screws or large galvanized nails. Use one screw or nail for every foot of insert. Once it’s fastened, fill any nail or screw holes with wood filler. Finally, run a bead of exterior-grade caulk around the seams to prevent moisture from getting into the repair.
Fix House Window: Repair or Replace?
Rutted window
Symptoms: Rotten frame, sashes, and dividers allow water or air leak to find its way to getting in your room.
Cause: If wood is primed or painted incorrectly or exposed to wet and humid conditions consistently, it’ll deteriorate.
Cost of repair: Depends on the extent of the rot; you can patch a few inches of rot with epoxy for around $25. If you’re looking to replace a rotten sill, a handyman service typically costs between $90 and $250, including materials. However, if the rot is more extensive and requires a full window replacement, you’re looking at a cost range of $300 and $700.
Repair or replace? Repair if the damage is minor, but replace if it's extensive. Our advice is to carefully assess the condition, as the damage often appears worse than it actually is.
Broken pane
Symptoms: cracks, scratches, or chips.
Cause: storm damage, abrasive cleaners, accidental breakage
Cost of repair:
- Full glass replacement: $3-$14 per sq. ft.
- Hiring a handyman: $100-$300
- Replacing the sash: $40-$250 (includes sash or vinyl)
Replace or repair? Vinyl is relatively inexpensive, making replacement an affordable option. However, for vintage, aluminum-clad, or multi-pane windows—each of which can cost upwards of $500 to replace—it’s generally more cost-effective to repair rather than replace.
Broken Seals
Symptoms: Foggy condensation or streaks between double or triple panes, commonly referred to as 'blown' windows.
Cause: Heat-induced contractions and expansions gradually damage seals, leading to condensation between panes and exposing low-emissivity coatings and insulating gases to air, causing oxidation.
Cost of repair: Once a seal is broken, restoring the pane is difficult. While some devices claim to de-fog the glass with solutions and valves, online reviews and feedback reveal disappointing results. The most effective and lasting solution is to replace the pane or the entire sash.
Repair or replace? Repair. Installing a new sash ($40-$250) is a quick and straightforward fix that preserves the frame and extends the life of the window.
Cranky windows:
Symptoms: Windows don’t open or operate properly.
Cause: Sashes painted shut, dirt and grit buildup in the tracks, and broken hardware can all prevent windows from opening or operating smoothly.
Cost of repair: To open a painted-shut window, you need to break the paint seal with a putty knife, then scrape and sand off the old paint and putty. Cleaning the tracks, balances, and hardware is cheap, but a handyman can replace those parts for $50-$270.
Repair or replace? Repair is usually the best option, unless replacement parts for old windows are unavailable. In that case, replacement may be the only option.
Drafty windows:
Symptoms: Air leaks in and out through gaps in the sashes, frames, and dividers.
Cause: Cracked and peeling caulking, old weather stripping, loose sashes, and rotted wood can all contribute to air leaks.
Cost of repair:
- Painter’s caulk: As little as $1.75 per tube to seal gaps
- Weather stripping: $8 for 10 feet
- Sash replacement: $40-$250
Repair or replace? Repair. If you replace all your home’s windows with energy-efficient models, you can expect an average savings of 7-15% on your energy bills. However, if you seal the leaks in your windows and other parts of your home, you can save 10-20% on your energy bills. The real savings, though, come from the money you don't spend replacing the entire set of windows.
Last Note
If you take proper care of your windows, they can last for decades. Keep an eye on them and check for any early signs of damage that need attention. This way, you won’t have to spend a lot of money replacing a window entirely, and you’ll also have peace of mind knowing your home is comfortable and safe.
For reliable and prompt emergency glass repair, look no further. If you're dealing with a broken glass window or need to fix a broken window, contact us anytime at +1 647-219-6390. As a trusted 24/7 contractor, we guarantee that your project will be completed smoothly, with long-lasting results you can count on.
