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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

Window repairs can help homeowners save time and money. However, there are instances when replacing windows that are old is more cost-effective.

Stray baseballs and projectiles frequently cause holes or cracks in windows. These are typically easy repairs using the correct tools.

If the window's frame is rotting, it's best to replace the entire unit.

Broken or Cracked Glass

A storm that is severe, the pebble from your lawnmowers or the vase you put down too hard could crack the glass of your windows. Fortunately just you can try here and effort can prevent the cracks from getting any worse and help you avoid the cost of replacement glass.

The first step in any repair is to take off the broken pane of glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut away any molding, trim, or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may need to use an utility knife to get rid of any glass fragments that have gotten stuck in the frame.

After removing the window clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the adhesive that glues the new glass in place from leakage and causing further damage. Make sure the new glass fits well. If the glass you're replacing is larger than the previous piece, you will need to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to cut it down.

Now that your surface is clean, find a glass adhesive that's specifically made for windows and follow the directions on how to apply it. Install the glass back inside your window sash. Avoid bending or moving the glass during this procedure as it could cause the crack to grow.

You can also use a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill in the crack and seal it. It's formulated to work with all types of glass and tinted windows. This kind of fix will not completely conceal the crack. It's not suited for windows that can be seen from the outside.

Epoxy is a different alternative. It is more time-consuming, however it will provide the most secure seal and can make your glass break virtually unnoticeable. You will need to thoroughly clean the glass and its surrounding area before applying epoxy. Also, you'll need to be prepared for any sudden weather changes which could cause the cracks to grow. If you're not confident with these DIY techniques, or if your cracked glass is particularly large or two-paned, it is recommended to contact a professional.

Sashes That Won't Open

A window that does not stay up for long can be more than an inconvenience It could also be a risk. Double-hung and single-hung windows come equipped with balancing mechanisms to stop the sash from moving. Nevertheless there are times when one or more mechanisms could be damaged or broken. Examine the balance bar and pivot shoe to determine if either or both have been dislodged. If they have, you will have to replace them in order for the sash to remain stable.

The moisture in sash window frames can cause cycles of expansion and contraction. In time, this may loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to sag. It is possible to fix this without removing the window by running a utility knife around the frame's joints and then prying them open. If the wood appears swollen, this is often caused by a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home which lets water soak into the frame.

A snapped sash cable is another common cause of windows that aren't opening. Try reattaching the cord by pulling the cord (pliers might be helpful) and then sliding the sash back into its normal position. If the cord snapped completely, you will need to replace it.

Paint can also make windows difficult to move. If the sash channel on double-hung windows has been closed with paint, you might be able to break the bond by using a utility blade and sliding it. If this fails then you'll have to remove the sash and then cut the seam between the sash and stop, parting strip or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).

Sash shoes for single-hung windows can be made from plastic or metal. They have a U-shaped slot in them that is locked when the shoe is placed in its normal position in the sash. To unlock the shoe, use an screwdriver to turn the slot until it is facing the opposite direction (Photo 2). Then, you can slide the sash up and down again and see whether the window functions normally.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't only unsightly it's a real danger to the structural integrity of the area of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus that causes it to thrive on moisture, turning wooden beams, joists and walls into a sloppy and mush. To prevent rot you must ensure that your home is maintained and that areas that are exposed to the elements are well secured. Even the best of intentions, it only takes one missed painting session or clogged gutter, or a minor roof leak to expose the window frames and porch columns as well as other areas of your home to a variety of decaying organisms that can quickly eat away at the structure and cause damage to its strength.

The majority of wood decays due to excessive moisture, which is often caused by rainwater seepage or condensation. The latter can happen when a damp proof course isn't installed or damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall are impacted by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures.

The first step in repairing the rot is to take off the old material. This is generally easy enough using a pry bar however a combination of hammer and chisel is sometimes needed for the most stubborn spots. After the decayed pieces of wood are removed, the hole must be filled and sealed. There are many types of wood fillers. The best one will depend on the amount of work you'd like to do and how deep the hole is.

If the rot has spread too far for a filler perform, you will need to replace the damaged part. You can engage an expert to complete this task or do it yourself. This is a more complex project however, and requires expert carpentry skills to complete the task properly. If you're unsure of your skills at DIY you should contact a professional.





Repairing rotting wood can be done, but it is much easier (and less expensive) to prevent the problem at the beginning. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk as well as installing drip edges on the roof to stop water from splattering onto exterior trim. You should also look for signs of excessive humidity around your window and think about installing a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels under control.

Dirty Seals

Water dripping around or under a window is probably the most obvious sign that window seals are shrinking. Sometimes this is easy to spot however, it is often hidden in a wall and harder to find. This can lead to soft wood, mold and even structural damage in your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to guard windows. You can find soft spots by gently pressing on the seal trim while visually looking.

The windows that are stained with fog can be an indication of a failing seal. Although they may not cause structural damage or increase your electric bill, they can detract from your RV's aesthetics.

The weather is the main factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand while in colder weather, they shrink. This effect can be reduced by storing your camper under cover and keeping it out of the direct sunlight. A simple car wash will help keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals that are on your windows.

Other factors that contribute to window seal failure is scrubbing the seals with brushes and washrags that contain cleaning agents that break down the rubber. This can cause the seals to become fragile and susceptible to cracking. Avoid using harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks clean with a dry toothbrush.

This is the most efficient and most affordable method to safeguard the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to assess the condition of your window seals, and make repairs that can save you from costly future issues.

Lubricating your window seals by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a more expensive repair than simply resealing the sash, but it's nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage caused by faulty seals. This is a DIY project that will extend the life of your windows in your RV and save you money.