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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can cut down on time and cost for homeowners. Sometimes, replacing windows is more cost-effective. Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles often cause cracks or holes in windows. With the appropriate tools, these are simple solutions. However, if the frame of the window is beginning to decay it is recommended to replace the entire window. Broken or Cracked Glass A storm that is severe, a pebble from the lawnmower, or even your favorite vase pushed down too hard could crack the glass in your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can stop these cracks from getting worse and help you avoid the expense of replacing glass. First, you must remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully rip off any trim, molding or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may have to use an utility knife to cut off any glass fragments that are stuck in the frame. After taking the window off, clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the glue used to hold the glass to the surface from leakage and causing further damage. It is also important to ensure that the glass you're replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is larger than the old one, you'll have to cut it down using circular saw or miter saw. After your surface is clean, locate the glass adhesive designed for window glass and follow the directions on how to apply it. Place the glass back inside your window sash. Do not bend the glass or moving it during this step. This can cause the cracks to get deeper. You can also apply products like Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill in the crack and seal it. It's formulated to work with all types of glass, including tinted windows. This type of fix won't completely hide the crack. It's not suited for windows that can be visible from the outside. Epoxy is a different option. It is more time-consuming, but it offers the highest seal and can make your cracked glass almost invisible. Before applying epoxy, however you'll need to wash your glass and the surrounding area thoroughly. You'll also need to be ready to address any unexpected weather changes that could cause the crack to expand and then widen again. If you're not sure using these DIY techniques or if your damaged glass is particularly large or two-paned, it's best to call the professionals. upvc repair that won't let you open A window that isn't able to remain up is more than just a nuisance. It can also be a risk. Single- and double-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to prevent the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. However there are times when one or more of these mechanisms can be damaged or removed. Examine the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine whether one or both have dislodged. You'll have to replace the balance bar and pivot shoe if they've become dislodged. Moisture in the sash window frames can cause cycles of expansion or contraction. This could cause the frame joints to become looser over time and then become stuck. It is possible to repair this issue without having to remove the window if you use a utility blade to cut the joints of the frame apart. If your wood appears to be swollen, it's typically due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to enter the frame. Another common reason for windows that aren't opening is a sash cord snapped. You can try to re-attach the cord by pulling the cord (pliers might be beneficial) and sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord is damaged, you'll have to replace it. Paint can cause a window to be bind and become difficult to move. If you notice that the sash channel on double-hung windows has been closed with paint, you can break the bond by scoring the paint with a knife and then trying to move it. If this does not work then you'll have to take off the window sash and then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop or parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1). The sash shoes that are used in single-hung windows are usually made of metal or plastic. These shoes come with a U-shaped slot them that is locked when the shoe is placed in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe using a screwdriver, turn the slot sideways using the photo 2. Then move the sash back and forth to see whether it is working properly. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't only unsightly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious threat to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it to thrive on moisture, turning wooden beams, joists and walls into soggy and mush. To avoid rot you must ensure that your home is properly maintained and the areas that are exposed to the elements are well protected. Even when you're diligent just one missed painting session or clogged gutter or minor roof leak to expose window frames, porch columns and other areas of your home to a myriad of decay-related organisms that could quickly destroy the structure and compromise its structural integrity. Most wood decay is the result of excessive moisture content, and can be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. The latter can happen when damp proofing courses aren't installed or damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures. The first step to repair decay is to remove the old material. This is typically done using a pry bar but a combination of hammer and chisel might be needed for the most difficult areas. Once the rotten wood is removed, the hole needs to be filled and caulked. There are many types of wood fillers. The best one will depend on how much work you're willing to put into it and the depth of the hole. If the rot has spread out too far for a filler to perform, you will need to replace the damaged component. You can hire an expert to do this or do it yourself. This is a more complex task that requires the expertise of a carpenter to complete. If you are unsure of your DIY skills, it is best to call an expert. Repairing wood that is rotting can be accomplished, but it is much simpler (and less expensive) to avoid the issue at the beginning. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around windows, scraping and repainting caulk and installing drip edges on the roof to prevent water from splattering onto the trim on the exterior. You should also be looking for signs of excessive humidity around your window and consider the use of a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels in check. Dirty Seals One of the most obvious signs of shrinking window seals is water that drips around or beneath the window. It's possible to spot, however it's often hidden behind the wall. This can lead to soft wood, mould, or even structural damage in your RV. The best way to protect your windows is with regular cleaning and inspection checks. Gently pressing against the trim of the seal and visually examining it can help you find soft spots before they cause water damage. Fogged windows are another common indication of a leaky seal. They might not be structurally damaging, or causing your electricity bills to skyrocket, but they do affect the appearance of your RV. The weather is a major factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand, whereas in colder weather, they shrink. This can be mitigated by storing your camper under cover and keeping it away from direct sun. A simple car wash can help prevent the salt from causing damage to your window rubber seals. Another reason that can lead to sealing failure is scrubbing seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that will cause the rubber to break down. Seals can become brittle and more prone to cracking. The best way to avoid this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows, and to keep the windows' seals and sash tracks clean using a dry brush. Performing these routine maintenance tasks is the cheapest and easiest way to protect your RV's windows. It also gives you a chance to examine the condition of your window seals, and repair them, which will help prevent costly problems in the future. It's more expensive to have your window seals lubricated or replaced using 303 Protectant spray, however it's still cheaper than repairing water damage caused by failed sealing. If you are willing to invest a few hours of work and time, then this is an easy DIY project that can extend the life of your RV's windows, and save you money in the end.