Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. Sometimes, replacing old windows can be more cost-effective.

Cracks or holes in windows' glass are often caused by stray balls and projectiles. With the proper tools, these are simple fixes.

If the frame of the unit is rotten it is better to replace the entire unit.

Broken or cracked glass

A severe storm or the sand from your lawnmowers, or the vase you put down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. You can prevent cracks from getting more severe by putting in a little more time and effort. This will help you save money on replacement glass.

First, take out the broken glass. Wearing gloves, upvcwindowanddoorrepairs carefully remove any trim, molding or glazing putty that is holding the glass in the frame. It is also possible to use a utility knife in order to break loose any glass shards stuck in the frame or glazing.

After removing the window, clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the glue used to stick the glass back to its original position from leaking and causing further damage. Make sure the glass is properly fitted. If the new glass is larger than the previous piece, you'll have to employ a circular or mitersaw to trim it.

After your surface is clean, search for a glass adhesive that's specifically designed for glass windows and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Reinstall the glass inside your window sash. Avoid flexing or moving the glass during this step; it can cause the crack to deepen.

In the end, you can use a product like Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It's specially designed to work with all kinds of glass and tinted windows. This type of fix won't completely hide the crack. It's not suitable for windows that are visible from the outside.

Another option is epoxy, which is more time-consuming to apply but provides the most significant seal, and can make your cracked window glass almost invisible. Before applying epoxy, you'll need to clean your glass and the area around it thoroughly. Also, you'll need to be prepared for any sudden weather changes which could cause the cracks to expand. If you are not confident using these DIY methods or if the cracked glass is very large or two-paned, it's best to call the professionals.

Sashes that won't open

A window that doesn't stay up can be more than just an inconvenience; it could also be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to assist in stopping the sash from moving up and down within the jambs. However, one or more of these mechanisms can become disconnected or damaged. Check the pivot bar as well as balance shoes to see whether one or both have dislodged. You'll have to replace the bar pivot and balance shoe if they have become dislodged.

The moisture inside the window frames of the sash can cause cycles of contraction or expansion. Over time, this can weaken the joints of the frame and cause them to become stuck. It is possible to repair this without taking down the window by running a utility knife around the frame's joints and slicing them open. If the wood appears to be swelling, it's usually due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to get into the frame.

A sash cable that is snapped is another reason for windows not opening. It is possible to reconnect the cord using pliers and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If the cord is damaged, you'll have to replace it.

Paint can also cause a window to be bind and become difficult to move. If you find that the sash channel on a double-hung window is painted shut, you can break the bond by scoring the paint using an utility knife and attempting to move it. If this fails, you will need to take off the sash and then cut the seam between the sash and stop, parting strip or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).

The sash shoes used in single-hung windows are usually constructed of either metal or plastic. These shoes have a U shaped slot that locks when the shoe is in the normal position in the sash. To unlock the shoe, use a screwdriver to rotate the slot so that it is facing the opposite direction (Photo 2). Then, slide the sash upwards and down, and then check whether the window functions normally.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't just unsightly it's a real threat to the structural integrity of the portion of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible feeds on moisture and transforms wood beams, walls, and joists to a wet mush. The best way to avoid decay is to ensure that your home is properly maintained and that areas that have exposure to elements are protected. Unfortunately, even if you're vigilant, it only takes one mishap with the painting process or upvcwindowanddoorrepairs clogged gutter, or a minor roof leak to expose window frames or porch columns, as well as other parts of your house to a variety of decaying organisms that can quickly destroy the structure and weaken its stability.

Most wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, which could be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. The latter can happen when damp proofing isn't installed or damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures.

The first step to repair decay is to remove the old material. It's usually simple to do with a pry-bar, upvcwindowanddoorrepairs but the combination of hammer and chisel could be required for the most difficult areas. After the rotten pieces of wood are removed, the gap has to be filled and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers available and the most effective one will depend on the amount of work you'd like to accomplish, how deep the hole is and how much of the frame is left to be saved.

If the rot has gotten too far for a filler work, you will need to replace the damaged component. You can either hire an expert to complete this task or do it yourself. This is a more involved project, however, and requires good carpentry skills to finish the job correctly. If you're unsure about your skills at DIY, then it's best to call in an expert.

Repairing wood that is rotting is possible however it is easier (and less expensive) to prevent the problem at the beginning. The best preventative measures are to seal cracks around windows, scraping and repainting caulk and installing a drip edge on the roof to prevent water from splashing onto the trim on the exterior. You should also look for signs of excessive humidity around your window and think about the use of a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels in check.

Dirty Seals

Water dripping around or under a window is likely to be the most obvious indication that window seals are shrinking. It's easy to see, but it's usually hidden behind the wall. This can result in soft wood, mold, or even structural damage to your RV. The best way to protect your windows is to perform regular cleaning and inspection checks. By gently pressing against the trim on the seal and visually examining it can help you identify weak spots before they cause water damage.

The windows that are stained with fog can be a sign of a failing seal. While they won't cause structural damage or increase your electric bill, they can take away 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 temperatures they contract. This effect can be reduced by storing your camper under cover and keeping it out of direct sun. Also, a simple car wash can to keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals that are on your windows.

Other factors that contribute to window seal failure are scratching the seals with brushes and washcloths that contain cleaning chemicals that degrade the rubber. This can make the seals brittle and prone to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows and to keep the windows and sash tracks clean with a dry, soft brush.

This is the most efficient and cheapest way to protect the windows of your RV. This also gives you the chance to inspect the seals on your windows and make any necessary repairs.

It's more expensive to have your window seals lubricated or replaced using 303 Protectant spray, but it's less expensive than repairing water damage that is caused by faulty sealing. If you are willing to put in a few hours of work it is a simple DIY project that can prolong the lifespan of your RV's windows and save you money in the long run.