Why Is the Paint Peeling on My Window Frames?

If the paint on your window frames is peeling, knowing why can help you solve this problem and prevent it from happening again. The paint may have lived out its service life, or environmental factors could cause window paint to fail prematurely.

Paint doesn’t last forever, and it needs regular maintenance. However, correctly applied window paint should last a few years under ideal circumstances. Here’s why your window paint is peeling and how to stop paint flaking around windows.

Why Is Paint Cracking Around My Windows?

Understanding the root of your problem can help you fix your windowsills and avoid additional cracking in the future. Here are four reasons you might have paint peeling off a window frame.

1. Moisture and Condensation

Moisture from a leak can cause paint to peel or cause mold and mildew growth. These issues can happen indoors or out. You may even notice water stains indicating moisture damage underneath the paint.

Leaks can result from broken seals and incorrect installation. You could also experience damage from condensation, when water builds up on the glass and then trickles down onto the frame.

Inspect your windows when doing your usual end-of-summer home maintenance, re-caulking and re-sealing as necessary.

2. Improper Surface Preparation

Correct surface preparation is the secret to a successful paint job, especially when the paint will experience weather or temperature fluctuations. Before repainting a window frame, clean its surface of dirt and debris, remove loose paint and rough up the entire surface with sandpaper to ensure the new paint has something to grab onto.

Once you finish sanding, wipe down the surface and let it dry completely before applying paint. If you do not prepare, clean and dry the surface ahead of painting, it will not last and will begin to peel or bubble prematurely.

3. Incorrect Painting Method

Watch the forecast when planning an exterior painting project. Outdoor paint requires specific temperature and moisture conditions to cure correctly. Temperature ranges and curing times can vary by paint type, so read the directions before painting window frames.

Remember, outdoor window surfaces require exterior-grade paint, while you can use interior-grade paint for the portions inside your home. The paint on your window frames will last much longer when you buy high-quality supplies and follow all the instructions to the letter.

4. Wear and Tear

Even when applied correctly, paint doesn’t last forever. If the paint around your windows lasted for many years until it began fading and chipping, that means it was well-applied. Now, you need to re-apply because it has reached the end of its service life.

Once your paint begins to peel and chip, it’s time for a new coat. The sooner you address the damage, the less work you must do. Letting the problem worsen could expose the wood underneath to the elements, requiring you to replace it as well.

How to Prevent Peeling Paint

Before fixing cracked paint, you must address the underlying problem. Otherwise, your fresh paint may also crack. Here are several tips for preventing paint peeling around interior windows:

• Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture.
• Seal the frames before painting.
• Apply the correct kind of paint to frames.
• Paint in the ideal conditions to allow your paint job to dry.
• Check window frames often to catch peeling early.

The paint on your window frames can last a long time if you apply it correctly and maintain it well. Paying attention to moisture and temperature differences in your home can significantly prolong window frame paint’s life span.

How to Fix Peeling Paint

Fixing peeling paint is simple, though it takes some elbow grease. Follow these steps to remove old paint and apply a fresh coat:

• Scrape off all flaking and peeling paint.
• Use sandpaper or a chemical stripper to remove the remaining paint.
• Fill cracks in the frame with wood putty or another filler.
• Apply a sealant to protect the frames from moisture.
• Coat with primer and a fresh, weather-resistant paint.

Most paint cracking results from insufficient protection from the elements. Improperly sealed wood frames can soak up moisture, which cracks the paint when it evaporates. Paint on vinyl frames can also crack from moisture or improper application.

Avoid Repainting With Renewal by Andersen of Long Island

At Renewal by Andersen, we’ve designed a unique window frame material that is superior to vinyl or wood. Our durable Fibrex^® Material window frames never need repainting and will not peel, crack or flake — and they also resist mold, rot and extreme temperature swings. When you purchase Fibrex^® Material windows, you can be confident that they will look beautiful for years, with little to no maintenance.

We make Fibrex^® Material windows with 40% reclaimed wood fiber, and Renewal by Andersen^® windows meet strict Energy Star standards for energy efficiency. Fibrex^® Material’s strength means we can design unique window shapes that suit your home.

Contact us today to start your new window replacement or learn more!

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