A well-done putty repair will last 20–30 years. Spend an afternoon on it now, and your windows will thank you for decades.
Cracked, crumbling, or missing window putty (also known as glazing compound) is more than just an eyesore. It is a functional failure. When the seal between the glass and the wooden frame breaks, you invite moisture, drafts, and eventually, wood rot. The good news is that repairing it is a simple, inexpensive DIY project that takes an afternoon. how to repair cracked window putty