If you are having issues with broken windows, from foggy insulated glass to cracked sills, you should consider repairing them rather than replacing them. Taking on the project yourself could save you thousands of dollars. Additionally, repairing windows could enhance energy efficiency and lower the cost of cooling and heating you home. Below are some DIY glass repair and window repair projects homeowners can consider undertaking:
Repairing Wood Windows
When appropriately painted and maintained, wood windows can last for over 100 years. Even when these windows seem badly damaged, they can often be fixed. Use liquid epoxy to renew rotted areas of the wood.
If there are cracks in the window trim, which includes the windowsills, epoxy putty can be used to fill the cracks; this should be followed by sanding and painting. Weather stripping can be used to close gaps around the sashes. The sashes will open and close when tubular foam, adhesive vinyl or other similar type of weather stripping is used.
Fixing Non-Wood Windows
Windows made from metal, fiberglass, vinyl, composite or other non-wood materials last for roughly 20 years; however, their gaskets do not last so long. You can buy replacement gaskets from the specialty vendor or window manufacturer. If you have metal window sashes and frames, use dry locking compound to coat the screws before tightening them.
Cost and Energy Savings
The worse the condition of your windows, the more money can be saved by fixing them; this could go up to $20 for each window per year. When the windows are fixed, supposing the glass is well seated in the frame and in good shape, consider installation of residential window tint. This metal-and-plastic composite film is available in a range of widths. It also provides safety and security, along with decorative and privacy value.
The overall heat gain of your home can be reduced with window film and it can also safeguard your furniture against damaging UV rays. Thicker films add a safety layer to the glass which makes it ‘spider-webs’ if broken, as opposed to shattering.
However, the real savings are not in the saving of energy but the cost saved from not having to replace the windows. DIY window repair could cost just $20 for each window. With a small financial investment and a few hours, repairing your windows yourself could save you thousands of dollars.
When to Call a Window Repair Service
There are times when certain repair projects should be left to the professionals. These projects include:
• Repairing or Replacing Insulated Windows
Replacing or repairing insulated triple-pane or double-pane window glass. This is because replacing insulated glass is not as straightforward as replacing single-pane glass.
• Replacing a Cracked Picture Window Glass
The pure weight and size of a single-pane glass in a picture window makes it a complicated repair, which should be left to the professionals.
• Garden Windows
All sides of a garden window, such as a greenhouse, have glass; therefore, a DIY repair can be difficult.
• Repairs to Bow or Bay Windows
Repairing bow and bay windows can be quite tricky since the sizes of the panes are not standard. Additionally, a bow window could have individual windows that need support from the panes on both sides of them. This makes it essential to be quite accurate when making repairs.