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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can help homeowners save time and money. Sometimes, replacing windows can be more cost-effective. Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles often cause cracks or holes in window glass. These are usually simple repairs using the correct tools. If the frame of the unit is damaged, it's better to replace the entire unit. Glass that is cracked or broken A severe storm or a stray pebble from the lawnmowers, or your favorite vase that is set too hard could crack the glass in your windows. You can prevent these cracks from becoming worse by spending a little extra time and effort. This will save you money on replacement glass. First, take out the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any trim, molding, or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may have to use an utility knife to get rid of any glass pieces that have gotten stuck in the frame. After taking the window off, clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the adhesive used to glue the glass back into place from leaking and causing further damage. Make sure the new glass fits well. If the new glass is bigger than the previous piece, you'll need to use a circular or mitersaw to cut it down. After your surface is clean, locate a glass adhesive that's specifically designed for glass windows and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Then, you can reinstall the glass in the window sash. Do not bend upvc window repairs near me or moving it during this process. This could cause cracks to become deeper. In the end, you can use a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It is designed to work on all kinds of glass including tinted ones. This type of fix won't completely conceal the crack. It is not suitable for windows that can be visible from the outside. Another option is epoxy which is more laborious to apply, but offers the most durable seal and can make your cracked window glass virtually unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy, you'll need to clean your glass and the area around it thoroughly. Also, you'll need be prepared for any unexpected weather changes that could cause the crack to grow again. If you're not comfortable with these DIY repair techniques, or your cracked glass is particularly large or has a double-paned window is best to get in touch with a professional to have a professional repair. Sashes that won't open A window that does not stay up can be more than just an inconvenience and could be a risk. Double-hung and single-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash from sliding. However, one or more of these mechanisms can be damaged or removed. Check the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if one or both have become dislodged. If they have, you'll need to replace them for the sash to remain in place. Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in frames of sash windows that are made of timber. This could cause the frame joint to become looser over time and stick. It is possible to fix this issue without removing the window if you use a utility knife to cut the joints of the frame apart. If your wood appears to be swelling, it is usually due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your house that allows water to soak into the frame. Another common reason for a window that won't open is a sash cord that has snapped. You can try to re-attach the cord by pulling it back (pliers could be beneficial) and sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord is totally broken, you will have to replace it. Paint can cause a window to bind and become difficult to move. If the sash channel on a double-hung windows is sealed with paint, you might be able to break the bond with a utility blade and sliding it. If this does not work, you'll need to remove the window sash, then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop, the parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1). The sash shoes in single-hung windows are made of metal or plastic. 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 using a screwdriver then turn the slot upside down using the image 2. Then, slide the sash back and forward to determine if it works properly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just ugly it's a real threat to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus that causes it to feed on moisture, turning wood beams, joists, and walls into soggy mush. The best way to stop decay is to ensure that your home is well maintained and that areas with exposure to elements are adequately protected. Even if you're vigilant the slightest lapse in painting or clogged rain gutter or a minor roof leak could expose your windows, porch columns, and other areas of the house to decaying organisms. The majority of wood rots are caused by excessive humidity, which is typically caused by condensation or seepage from rainwater. The latter can occur if a damp-proof course is not installed or damaged, or when internal materials such as drywall and plaster are affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures. The first step in repairing rot involves removing the old material. It is usually easy with a pry bar, but a combination of hammer and chisel is sometimes needed for the most stubborn spots. After the decayed wood has been removed, the hole needs to be filled and sealed. There are a myriad of wood fillers that are available and the best one will depend on the amount of work you'd like to do, how deep the hole is and how much of the original frame is left to be saved. If the rot has spread too far for a filler perform, you will need to replace the damaged part. You can engage a professional to do this or do it yourself. This is a more complex project that requires a carpentry expert to complete. If you are unsure of your DIY skills It is recommended to consult an expert. Repairing wood that is rotting is possible however it is more efficient (and less expensive) to avoid the issue in the first instance. The best preventative measures are to seal cracks around windows, scraping and repainting caulk as well as installing drip edges on the roof to prevent water from splashing up onto exterior trim. Also, you should look for signs of excessive humidity around your windows and think about a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels in check. Dirty Seals Probably the most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is water that drips around or beneath the window. This can be easy to spot, however it's usually hidden behind a wall. This can lead to soft wood, mould, or even structural damages in your RV. The best way to safeguard your windows is to perform regular inspection and cleaning. Pressing gently against the seal trim and visual inspection will help you spot weak spots before they cause water damage. Windows that are stained with fog are another indication of a leaky seal. They may not be structurally damaging, or cause your electric bills to increase, but they detract from the aesthetics of your RV. Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage as the seals expand in hot temperatures and contracting in colder temperatures. You can reduce this effect by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and storing it in a cover whenever possible. A simple car wash can help keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals that are on your windows. Another cause that can cause sealing failure is rubbing seals using brushes or washrags with cleaning chemicals that break down the rubber. Seals can become brittle and more susceptible to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows and to keep the sash tracks and window seals clean with a dry, soft brush. This is the easiest and least expensive method of protecting the windows of your RV. It also gives you a chance to assess the condition of your window seals, and repair them, which will prevent costly future problems. Having your window seals lubricated with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a much more costly fix than simply resealing your sash, however it is still significantly cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by failed seals. This is a simple DIY project that can prolong the life of the RV windows and save money.