Fixing a Cracked Picture Window for a Lake Minnetonka Homeowner

This homeowner reached out to us because the glass on the left window was cracked. That told us there had to be some faulty framing or glass support behind it. While we were putting together the bid, the other window cracked in nearly the same spot.

After finalizing the details, we decided on Marvin Ultimate Windows to match the lower windows:

• Marvin Ultimate Windows
• White aluminum-clad exterior, pre-finished white interior
• Custom arched flat casing, white

We ordered the interior in white even though it wasn’t going to match the lower windows. The plan was to color-match paint the interior afterward so everything tied together.

Installation Day

Fast forward 15-18 weeks for the window to be produced, and the day of installation is finally here!

We arrived around 7am and carefully started pulling the casing off the interior. That’s the moment we found the header beam nearly completely rotten. As we removed the windows and the header, we found the framing supports were rotten too, the rot ran all the way down to the rim joist. Just like that, the scope of work expanded to nearly all the framing, plus removing and reinstalling the two lower windows.

We were able to act right away and went to pick up the lumber we needed. We rebuilt the beam with three 1.75″ LVL beams, replaced the 2×6 supports with 2×6 LSL support studs, and built a 2-ply cedar sill to resist any future rot. Then we installed all the proper flashing and window tape.

Once the windows were in, our painter came to the rescue with a lot more than just painting. He took on sheetrock repair, the jambs and casing, and the exterior painting. When he finished, it looked flawless. It turned out so nice, and it’s definitely better than looking through cracked, leaking windows!