Window frame wear and tear is expected from forced openings, particular environmental conditions or other natural and man-made acts can cause window frames to rot, get stripped of paint, suffer from cracks or, ultimately, break. Broken window frames must be repaired as soon as possible to avoid the risk of losing protection from the scorching heat of the sun, the cold winter, the possible entry of insects, water leaks and a criminal’s easier access to the house.
To prevent severe damage to your window frames, regularly clean them, repair minor damages and repaint if necessary. Allotting a budget for proper home maintenance can save you more money in the long run.
Apply wood preservative over the entire wooden window frame to protect it from getting further damaged and rotten. Fill in the hollowed area with wood putty or epoxy. For larger hollows, you may have to build up the putty in layers that look like the actual frame so that the putty blends with the color and texture of the window frame. Let this dry for about 24 to 48 hours, then use a medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out the filled-up areas of the frame. If you have metal or vinyl window frames, minor damage and small cracks are repairable through DIY kits with paste-like substances like PVC glue that can serve the same role as the putty used in wood. In cases where there are larger damages on the frames, it is best to replace the window entirely.