Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

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

Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles frequently cause holes or cracks in window glass. These are usually easy fixes with the right tools.

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

Broken or cracked glass

A bad storm or the pebbles from your lawnmower or even the vase you set down too hard may break the glass of your windows. You can stop cracks from getting more severe by investing a little more time and effort. This will save you money on replacement glass.

First, remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully rip away any molding, trim or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may also need to use a utility knife to break loose any glass shards stuck in the frame or old glazing.

After removing the glass clean the surface and surrounding areas thoroughly. This will help prevent the glue used to put the glass back in place from leaking and causing more damage. You'll also want to ensure that the new glass is a good fit. If the new glass is larger than the previous piece, you will need to employ a circular or mitersaw to reduce it.

After your surface has been cleaned, you can apply a glass glue designed specifically for window glass. Reinstall the glass into your window sash. Avoid flexing the glass or moving it during this step. This could cause the cracks to get deeper.

You can also make use of products like Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill in the crack and seal it. It's designed to work with all kinds of glass and tinted windows. This kind of fix will not completely hide the crack. It is not suitable for windows that are visible from the outside.

Another option is epoxy, which is a little more laborious to apply, but provides the most significant seal and can make your cracked window glass almost invisible. It is essential to thoroughly clean the glass and its surrounding area before applying epoxy. You will also need to be prepared for any sudden weather conditions that could cause the cracks to widen. If you're not confident with these DIY repair techniques, or your cracked glass is particularly large or a double-paned window, it's best to get in touch with a professional for a repair that is done by a professional.

Sashes that won't slide open

A window that will not stay up can be more than an inconvenience; it could also be dangerous. Double-hung and single-hung windows come equipped with balancing mechanisms that stop the sash from moving. Nevertheless, one or more mechanisms could be damaged or broken. Check the pivot bar as well as balance shoes to see whether either of them has dislodged. If they have, you'll have to replace them in order for the sash to remain in place.

Moisture can cause cycles of expansion and contraction in the frames of sash windows that are made of timber. As time passes, this can weaken the joints of the frame and cause them to become stuck. It is possible to repair this issue without having to remove the window if you use a utility blade to cut the frame joints apart. If your wood appears swollen it is usually due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house which allows water to soak into the frame.

Another reason that is commonly cited for upvc windows repairs that don't open is a snapped sash cord. It is possible to reconnect the cord with pliers and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If the cord is completely damaged, you'll have to replace it.

Paint can also make windows difficult to move. If the sash channel of double-hung windows is sealed with paint, you might be in a position to break the bond using an utility knife and then slide it. If this doesn't work then you'll have to take off the window sash and then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop, the parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1).

Sash shoes for single-hung windows can be made from plastic or metal. These shoes have an U shape slot that is locked when the shoe is in the normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, use a screwdriver to rotate the slot until it is facing sideways (Photo 2). Then you can move the sash up and down again and see whether the window is functioning normally.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't only unsightly; it can also cause serious harm to the structural integrity of the area it has infested. The fungus that causes it feeds on moisture and turns wooden beams, walls, and joists into a sloppy and spongy mush. To avoid rot, you should ensure that your home is maintained and areas exposed to the elements are well protected. Even if you're vigilant any missed painting session or clogged gutter or a minor roof leak could expose windows, porch columns, and other parts of the home to decaying organisms.

Most wood decay is caused by excessive moisture content, and can be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. The latter can occur if damp-proofing courses are not installed or is damaged or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall become affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.

The first step to repairing rot is removing the old material. It is usually easy to do with a pry-bar, but the combination of hammer and chisel could be needed for the stubbornest places. After the rotten wood has been removed, the gap has to be caulked and filled. There are a myriad of wood fillers available, and the best product will depend on the amount of work you wish to do, how deep the hole is and how much of the original frame is left to be saved.

If the rot is too extensive for a simple filler then you'll have to replace the damaged area. You can engage an expert to complete this task or do it yourself. This is a more complex project, however, and requires a good carpentry skills to finish the job properly. If you are unsure of your DIY skills It is recommended to call an expert.

While repairing rotting wood is a possibility however, it's much more effective (and more affordable) to prevent it from happening in the beginning. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around upvc windows repair near me, scraping and repainting caulk, and installing drip edges on the roof to prevent water from splashing onto the trim on the exterior. Also, you should look for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window, and consider the use of a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels under control.

Dirty Seals

Water dripping around or under a window is likely to be the most obvious sign that window seals are shrinking. It's possible to see, but it's usually hidden behind the wall. This can lead to soft wood, mold, or even structural damage to your RV. The best method to guard your windows is to keep them clean by performing regular inspection and cleaning. Gently pressing against the trim of the seal and visually inspecting can help you find soft spots before they can cause water damage.

Fogged windows are another common indication of a leaky seal. They might not be structurally damaging or cause your electric bills to rise, but they detract from the aesthetics of your RV.

Window seals that fail are mostly caused by weather damage, as the seals expand in hot temperatures and contracting in colder temperatures. This can be mitigated by storing your camper under cover and keeping it away from direct sun. A simple car wash can help keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows.

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

Conducting these regular maintenance tasks is the least expensive and most efficient method of protecting your RV's windows. It also gives you the opportunity to check the seals on your windows and make any required repairs.

It's more expensive to have your window seals lubricated or replaced with 303 Protectant spray, but it's still cheaper than repairing water damage caused by failed sealing. If you are willing to invest some time and time, then this is a DIY project that will extend the lifespan of your RV's windows, and save you money in the long term.