Why People Don't Care About Window Repairs

Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. However, there are instances when replacing old windows is more economical.

Cracks or holes in windows' glass are often caused by stray baseballs or projectiles. With the right tools, these are simple solutions.

However, if the frame of the window is beginning to decay, it's best to replace the entire window.

Glass that is cracked or broken

A severe storm or the pebbles from your lawnmowers or the vase you place down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. Fortunately with a little effort and effort can stop these cracks from getting worse and reduce the cost of replacement glass.

The first step in any repair is to take off the glass that is broken. Wearing gloves, carefully rip off any molding, trim, or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may need to use a utility knife to remove any glass fragments that are stuck to the frame.

After removing the window clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the glue used to put the glass back in place from leaking and causing further damage. It is also important to make sure that the glass you're replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is larger than the previous piece, you'll have to make use of a circular saw or mitersaw to reduce it.

Now that your surface is clean, locate an adhesive for glass that is specifically designed for window glass and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Reinstall the glass inside your window sash. Be careful not to bend or move the glass during this procedure as it could cause the crack to get deeper.

In the end, you can use products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It's designed to work on all types of glass, including tinted ones. Be aware that this kind of repair will not fully cover the crack, therefore it's not the best solution for windows that are easily visible from the outside.

Epoxy is a different alternative. It's more time-consuming, however it provides the best seal and can make the glass that has cracked appear almost unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy you'll need to scrub your glass and the area around it thoroughly. Also, you'll need be prepared for any sudden weather changes which could cause cracks to grow. If you're not sure with these DIY techniques or if the cracked glass is large or a two-paned glass, it's recommended to consult a professional.

Sashes That Willn't Open

A window that will not remain up is more than an inconvenience and could be a risk. Double- and single-hung windows come with balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from sliding up and down within the jambs. However, one or more mechanisms can be damaged or disconnected. Check the pivot bar and balance shoes to see if either or both are 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 within the frames of sash windows made of timber. Over time, this can cause joints to become loose in the frame and cause them to sag. It is possible to fix this without removing the window by putting a knife around the frame's joints and slicing them open. If the wood appears to be swelling, it's usually caused by missing flashing on your house's exterior which lets water soak into the frame.

A sash cable that is snapped is another common cause of windows not opening. It is possible to reconnect the cord by pulling the cord (pliers might be helpful) and then sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord snapped completely, you'll require replacement.

Paint can also make a window difficult to move. If you discover that the sash channel on double-hung windows has been painted shut, you can break the bond by scoring the paint with a utility knife and trying to move it. If this does not work, you'll need to remove the window sash and then cut the seam on both sides of the sash, stop or parting strip or jamb (Photo 1).

Sash shoes for single-hung windows may be made of metal or plastic. They have a U shape slot that locks when the shoe is in the normal position inside the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver and turn the slot to the side using the image 2. Then you can move the sash up and down again and see if the window works normally.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't only unsightly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious threat to the structural integrity of the part of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it to feed on moisture, turning wood beams, joists, and walls into a sloppy mush. To prevent rot it is important to ensure that your home is maintained and areas exposed to the elements are secured. Unfortunately, even if you're vigilant, it only takes one missed painting cycle, clogged gutter or a minor leak in the roof to expose windows and porch columns as well as other parts of your house to a variety of decay-related organisms that could quickly destroy the structure and compromise its structural integrity.

The majority of wood decays due to excessive moisture, which is often caused by condensation or rainwater seepage. The latter can occur if damp-proofing courses are not installed or is damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.

The first step to repairing decay is to remove the old material. It's usually simple to do this using a pry-bar however a combination hammer/chisel might be needed for the most difficult spots. After the rotten wood has been removed, the gap has to be caulked and filled. There are a myriad of wood fillers that are available and the most effective one will depend on the amount of work you want to do, how deep the hole is and how much of the frame can be saved.

If the rot has spread out too far for a filler work, you will have to replace the damaged component. You can 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 properly. If you're not sure of your DIY ability here it is recommended to contact an expert.

While repairing rotting wood is always a possibility, it's far easier (and less expensive) to prevent it from happening in the beginning. Prevention measures include sealing any cracks that are around windows, scraping the caulk off and repainting it, and installing drip edges on the roof. You should also look for signs of excessive humidity around your windows and consider a dehumidifier to help keep moisture 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. Sometimes this is obvious, but often it is hidden within a wall and is harder to locate. This can lead to soft wood, mould, or even structural damage in your RV. The best method to guard your windows is to keep them clean by performing regular inspection and cleaning. You can spot small smudges by gently pressing on the seal trim while visually inspecting.

upvc window repairs  that have a haze of fog are a sign of a failing seal. Although they may not cause structural damage or increase your electric bill, they can detract from the aesthetics of your RV.

The weather is the main factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand and in colder temperatures, they shrink. You can reduce this effect by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and keeping it under cover when possible. A simple car wash will assist in preventing the salt from causing damage to the seals of your window.

Other causes of window seal failure are scrubbing the seals using brushes and washrags that contain cleaning agents which break down the rubber. Seals may become brittle and more prone to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks tidy by using a dry toothbrush.

This is the easiest and cheapest way to protect the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to check the condition of the window seals and repair them, which will help prevent costly problems in the future.

Having your window seals lubricated with 303 Protectant Spray or replaced is a more expensive repair than simply resealing your sash, however it is nevertheless much cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by seals that fail. If you're willing to commit just a few hours and time, then this is an easy DIY project that will greatly prolong the life of your RV's windows, and save you money in the end.