Window Repair: How to Do It Yourself

Sometimes accidents happen. Kids play too rough or maybe you accidentally broke the window in your home or garage. This gives lurking strangers the chance to infiltrate your home. You will want to repair this as soon as possible.

Repairing your window quickly may mean you have to do it yourself. No problem, you’ll learn what’s needed and exactly how to do it.

How to Repair a Window

Depending on the damage, your windows may be in horrible shape. One good thing about damaged windows is they’re cheap to fix. You won’t be spending tons of money on window repair for an old window.

Depending on the type of window you have, you may have to take additional steps. In general, you should follow the steps in this order. Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to replace and repair your window.

1. Measurements

Before you actually begin replacing the window, be sure to get measurements of the height and width. You need exact measurements before buying glass or other supplies. You may have to use a precise glass cutter or ask someone at a store to cut the glass for you.

2. Remove Damaged Window

Your next step is to remove the damaged or broken window. You can use a crowbar to loosen the window frame. If the frame becomes damaged, you might have to replace that as well.

3. Clean the Frame

Clean the window frame for proper window repair. Pieces of glass or loose particles may be in the frame of the window. This will make installation nearly impossible. You can also take this time to examine the frame for rotten wood, or anything else that looks amiss.

4. Start at the Bottom

To begin the window repair, you need to start at the bottom and work your way up. After adjusting the frame of the window, you can begin installing the new window from bottom to top. Screw the window into place. You may also need someone to assist you in holding the window in place.

5. Wrapping the Window

This step is necessary to make sure the window is secure in the frame. The key is to keep the window wrap smooth and straight. You don’t want wrinkled window wrapping outlining the new window.

Window wraps also keep the moisture out. Line foam around the bases and perimeter of the window. Before moving to the next step, be sure to let it air-dry. Once it’s dry, you can cut away excess materials around the perimeter.

6. Trim and Casing

Windows need trim and casing to stay intact. Trim and casing go on both the interior and exterior of the window for protection. This is the final step of your window repair.

So How Much Will It Cost?

Repairing your own window saves you money in the long run. You won’t have to spend money on the labor it takes someone else to do.

Regular glass windows are going to cost you less than double-paneled and insulated windows. If your window is new and insulated, you may spend up to $900.

Windows without insulation will only cost $200 or so to repair. You can find these numbers on Home Advisor.

Consider how many windows need to be repaired, the type of window you have, and any additional damage.

Single-hung and double-hung windows are going to be the easiest to repair. These are your everyday windows that are split into two or four parts.

A large window such as a bay window may be more complicated to repair and will cost much more than the standard size window.

Things to Consider

Some windows have specific designs or structures that will make the job more difficult. You may have a custom-shaped pane, dual-pane insulation, or a window that is simply hard to reach.

Take extra precautions when dealing with these situations. You may want to call the manufacturer and look into the warranty of the windows. If you can get the window set through them, it will save you money in the long run.

Additional helpers may be required if you have trouble reaching the window. You will want someone securing the ladder if necessary.

Usually, you will need a window repair for broken or damaged wood, damaged window pane, broken seals, and drafty windows.

These reasons are usually a simple fix as long as the window is easy to get to.

Get That Window DIY-ed

It’s completely possible to do a window repair yourself and will end up saving money. Be sure to consider the cost, measurements, materials, and type of window to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Research your warranty and plan out how you’re going to fix the window before starting. Having a game plan will eliminate mistakes and dangerous situations. Good luck.