Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

Window repairs can help homeowners save time and money. But, there are times when replacing old windows is more economical.

Stray baseballs and projectiles often cause cracks or holes in windows. With the right tools, these are simple solutions.

If the frame of the unit is damaged it is better to replace the whole unit.

Broken or cracked glass

A severe storm, the pebble from your lawnmower or even the vase you place down too hard could crack the glass of your windows. You can stop cracks from getting worse by putting in a little more time and effort. This will help you save money on replacement handles for upvc windows, to upvcwindowanddoorrepairs.top, glass.

The first step in any repair is to take off the glass that is broken. Wearing gloves carefully pry off any trim, molding or glazing putty holding the glass in the frame. It is also possible to use a utility knife in order to loosen any stubborn glass shards stuck in the frame or old glazing.

After removing the glass, clean the surface and any surrounding areas thoroughly. This will prevent the adhesive that is used to glue the new glass from leakage and causing further damage. Also, you should ensure that the new glass is a good fit. If the new glass is bigger than the previous piece, you'll have to employ a circular or mitersaw to cut it down.

Now that your surface is clean, locate an adhesive for glass that is specifically designed for glass windows and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Place the glass back into the window sash. Avoid flexing the glass or moving it during this step. This can cause the cracks to get deeper.

You can also make use of a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and then seal it. It is designed to work on all kinds of glass, including tinted ones. This kind of fix will not completely conceal the crack. It is not suitable for windows that can be seen from the outside.

Another option is epoxy, which is a little more laborious to apply, but offers the most durable seal and can make your window glass that has been damaged nearly invisible. You will need to thoroughly clean the glass and surrounding area before applying epoxy. Also, you'll need to be prepared for any sudden weather conditions that could cause cracks to widen. If you're not confident with these DIY repair methods or if your glass is especially large or double-paned, it's best to get in touch with a professional to have a professional repair.

Sashes that won't let you open

A window that won't stay up isn't just a nuisance. It could be a danger. Double- and single-hung windows come with balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. However, one or more of these mechanisms could be damaged or removed. Check the pivot bar and balance shoe to determine if either or both have become dislodged. If they have, you'll have to replace them in order for the sash to remain in place.

Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction within the frames of sash windows that are made of timber. This could cause the frame joints to become loose over time and stick. It is possible to repair this issue without removing the window, if you use a utility blade to cut the joints of the frame apart. If your wood appears swollen it's usually due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your house that allows water to get into the frame.

A sash cable that is snapped is another common cause of a window not opening. You can try to reattach the cord with pliers and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If the cord is totally damaged, you'll have to replace it.

Paint can also cause windows to become bounded and become difficult to move. If you find that the sash channel of a double-hung window is sealed with paint it is possible to break the bond by scoring the paint with an utility knife and attempting to slide it. If this fails, you'll need to remove the window sash, and then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop or parting strip or replacement handles For upvc windows jamb (Photo 1).

The sash shoes that are used in single-hung windows are made from plastic or metal. They feature a U-shaped slot inside them that is locked when the shoe is in its normal place in the sash. To unlock the shoe, use a screwdriver to turn the slot so that it is facing sideways (Photo 2). Then move the sash back forth to see whether it functions properly.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't just unsightly; it can also cause serious harm to the structural integrity of the area it has invaded. The fungus that causes it feeds on moisture and turns wooden beams, walls and joists to a wet mucus. The best way to prevent decay is to ensure your home is maintained and that areas with exposure to the elements are protected. Even the best of intentions just one mishap with the painting process or clogged gutter, or a minor roof leak to expose the window frames and porch columns as well as other parts of your house to a myriad of decay-related organisms that could quickly eat away at the structure and cause damage to its structural integrity.

Most wood rot is the result of excessive moisture content, which could be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. This can happen when damp-proofing courses are not installed or is damaged or when the internal materials such as drywall and plaster are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.

The first step to repair the rot is to take off the old material. It is usually easy to do with a pry-bar but a combination hammer/chisel might be required for the most difficult places. After the decayed pieces of wood are removed, the gap must be filled in and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers. The best one will depend on how much work you'd like to do and the depth of the hole.

If the rot is too deep for a simple filler, then you'll need to replace the damaged area. You can either hire an expert to do this or do it yourself. This is a more involved project however, and requires expert carpentry skills to complete the task right. If you're unsure about your DIY ability here it is recommended to contact a professional.

Repairing wood that is rotting can be accomplished however it is easier (and less expensive) to avoid the issue in the first place. The best preventative measures are sealing any cracks that are around windows, scraping off caulk and repainting it, as well as installing drip edges on the roof. You should also check for signs of humidity around your windows and think about a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels under control.

Dirty Seals

Water that drips around or under a window is probably the most obvious indication that window seals are shrinking. Sometimes, this is easy to spot however, it is often hidden behind a wall, and is harder to locate. This can lead to soft wood, mold, or even structural damage in your RV. The best method to guard your windows is to perform regular cleaning and inspection checks. You can spot soft spots by gently pressing on the seal trim while looking.

Fogged windows can also be an indication of a failing seal. They might not be structurally damaging or causing your electricity bills to increase, but they detract from the aesthetics of your RV.

The weather is the main factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand, whereas in colder temperatures they contract. This can be mitigated by storing your camper under cover and keeping it out of the direct sunlight. Also, a simple car wash will help keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals that are on your windows.

Another cause that can cause seal failure is rubbing seals using brushes or washrags containing cleaning chemicals that degrade the rubber. Seals can become brittle, and more susceptible to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh window cleaners and to keep the windows' seals and sash tracks clean with a dry brush.

Performing these routine maintenance tasks is the most affordable and efficient method to safeguard your RV's windows. It also gives you a chance to assess the condition of your window seals and make repairs, which can prevent costly future problems.

It's more expensive to have your window seals lubricated, or replaced with 303 Protectant spray, however it's less expensive than repairing the water damage caused by poor sealing. This is a simple DIY project that can extend the life of your RV windows and help you save money.