Noticed the headers above a couple windows in my place are looking pretty rough lately... wood's cracked and paint's peeling. I'm decent with basic repairs, but structural stuff makes me a little nervous, you know? Anyone tackled this themselves or better to call someone in?
I've seen plenty of folks tackle window headers on their own, but honestly, it depends on how bad the damage really is. Paint peeling and surface cracks might just be cosmetic, meaning sanding, filling, priming, and repainting could do the trick. But if you're seeing deeper cracks or any signs of sagging above the window, that's a different ballgame altogether.
Structural stuff isn't impossible to DIY, but it does require a good understanding of load-bearing elements and proper support methods. Headers are there to distribute weight from above—so messing up could lead to bigger issues down the line. Not trying to scare you off; just want you to be realistic about what you're comfortable with. If you're already feeling nervous about structural repairs, there's no shame in bringing in someone experienced.
A couple years back I had a client who tried replacing his own header without fully understanding the load-bearing situation... let's just say he ended up with drywall cracks and a window that wouldn't open properly. Ended up costing him more in repairs than if he'd called someone from the start. On the flip side, I've known handy homeowners who've successfully replaced headers themselves after carefully researching and preparing.
Do you have access to see what's behind the drywall yet? Sometimes peeling paint can hide bigger problems like moisture intrusion or rot—have you checked for any water damage or leaks around those windows?