How to Repair a Broken or Old Window

You don’t need to buy a new window if it’s broken, you can repair it easily. It is a lot cheaper to repair a window than to replace it. You just need to learn a few things. It doesn’t matter if your window is fogged up, hard to open, or just drafty, you can fix that. You don’t need a lot of tools and the material you can buy at almost every window supply company.

For this projects, you will need 4-in-1 screwdriver, drill bit set, file, cordless drill, pry bar, utility knife. You will also need a replacement window hardware and a silicone lubricant. Prepare all of this tools before starting your project.

How to replace a crank operator

If the crank operator is broken or if the gears don’t turn easily or at all, then you will need to replace the crank operator. Take a picture of your crank operator and go with the picture to the replacement parts company, so you can find the perfect operator that is for your window.

source: familyhandyman.com

To replace it you need to take the crank arm off the sash, and if the operator contains a split arm operator, you need to unhook it too. When you do that, slide or pry off the operator cover. And if it’s a removable cover, cut along the casement cover with your utility knife. Remove the trim screws along the top of the casement cover and pry the cover loose. You need to be very careful because the covers break easily. Then unscrew the crank operator and set the new operator in place. You need to align it with the screw holes and screw it to the jamb. But if the cover isn’t removable, the screws will be accessible on the exterior of the window.

How to fix a stripped crank handle

If you have a problem with your window handle, then probably the crank operator shaft of the gear on your handle is stripped. Take the handle off and look for the problem. If the teeth of the gear are worn, you need to replace the handle, and if the shaft is worn you can replace it like we already showed you.

Remove the handle and file the shaft so the setscrew can lock onto the shaft. When you finish filing reattach the handle with a longer setscrew. Just be aware because if you use this window a lot, this fix is just temporary, and it won’t last long.

source: familyhandyman.com

How to fix a sticking window

If you have a problem with a sticking window, then you can adjust the position of the sash by moving the hinge channel. Move the channel at the top or the bottom of the window, it depends on where the sash is dragging. You need to take the sash out, then mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame and unscrew the channel. It is good to fill the screw holes with wood filler or epoxy because it keeps the screws fit. Place the channel back on the jamb, drill 1/8-in. pilot holes and then reinstall it.

source: familyhandyman.com

How to replace a sagging hinge

If you have a big and heavy window, it is possible that the hinge arms will start to sag, and then the sash will hit the frame in the lower corner that’s opposite the hinge. You need to replace the hinge arms at the top and the bottom of the window. Then remove the sash from the window. Unscrew the hinge arms and install the new ones in the same location.

source: familyhandyman.com

How to seal a drafty window

If your window is drafty, you need to replace weather strips, that are located on the sash, frame or both. It doesn’t matter where is the strip located, you change them the same way. See what kind of weather stripping you have on your window and measure the height and width, before buying the strips.

Maybe you don’t need to replace the weatherstrip if it’s only loose in some places. If that’s the case, you just need to apply some polyurethane sealant where you see the loose ends.

But if you want to replace the whole weatherstrip, remove the sash and remove the weather strip and start placing the new weather strip into the groove. You want to start at a corner, and you will hear it clicks when it slides into the groove.

There is a possibility that your window is stuck shut, and it’s because the weather strip is sticking. Try to open it and then spray some silicone lubricant on a rag and wipe the weather stripping. But do not use oily lubricants, because they attract dust.

source: familyhandyman.com

How to replace a fogged sash

If you have a broken glass or the glass is just fogging, you need to replace the glass or even the entire sash. The sash is only replaced if it is broken, but if it’s in a good shape, then you need to replace only the glass. You can find the information about the glass etched into the corner of the glass, and you need to measure sash dimensions, before buying a new glass. If you want a professional help, you can find a great glass repair specialist online.

If you want to replace the sash by yourself, remove the old one by removing the hinge screws first. Remove all the hardware from the damaged sash, and you install the new sash by just sliding it onto the hinge arms. When you do that, just screw it to the hinges, and it’s all done.