An Window Repairs Success Story You'll Never Imagine

Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. But, there are times when replacing old windows is more cost-effective.

Cracks or holes in the windows' glass are usually caused by stray baseballs or projectiles. With the proper tools, these are easy fixes.

If the frame of the window is rotting, it's best to replace the entire window.

Broken or Cracked Glass

A bad storm or a stray pebble from the lawnmowers, or your favorite vase pushed down too hard can crack the glass in your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can stop these cracks from becoming worse and reduce the cost of replacement glass.

First, remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully remove any trim, molding or glazing putty holding the glass in the frame. It is also possible to use a utility knife to loosen any stubborn glass shards stuck in the frame or glazing.

After removing the glass, clean the surface and any surrounding areas thoroughly. This will prevent the glue used to put the glass back to its original position from leaking and causing further damage. Also, you should ensure that the glass you're replacing is a good fit. If the new piece is larger than the previous one, you'll have to cut it down with circular saw or miter saw.

After your surface has been cleaned then you can apply a glass adhesive made specifically for windows. Install the glass back inside your window sash. Avoid flexing the glass or moving it during this process. This can cause cracks to become deeper.

In the end, you can use a product like Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It is designed to work on all kinds of glass, including tinted versions.  Read the Full Document  of fix can't completely hide the crack. It's not suitable for windows that are visible from the outside.

Epoxy is a different option. It is more laborious, but it will provide the most secure seal and will make your cracked glass almost invisible. You will need to thoroughly clean the glass and its surrounding area prior to applying the epoxy. Also, you'll need be prepared for any sudden weather conditions that could cause cracks to grow. If you're not sure of these DIY techniques, or if your cracked glass is very large or two-paned, it is best to call the professionals.

Sashes that won't open

A window that doesn't remain up is more than just a nuisance. It could also be a risk. Single-hung and double-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to prevent the sash from moving. Nevertheless the mechanism can be damaged or disconnected. Inspect the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if one or both have become dislodged. If they have, you'll need to replace them in order for the sash to remain in place.

Moisture can cause cycles of expansion and contraction within the frames of sash windows that are made of timber. In time, this may weaken the joints of the frame and cause them to become stuck. It is possible to fix this issue without having to remove the window if you use a blade to pry the frame joints apart. If your wood appears to be swollen, it's usually due to the absence of flashing on the exterior of your house that allows water to soak into the frame.

Another reason that is commonly cited for a window that won't open is a sash cord that has snapped. Try reattaching the cord by pulling on the cord (pliers may be helpful) and then sliding the sash back into its normal position. If the cord has snapped completely, you'll need to replace it.

Paint can also cause a window to be bind and become difficult to move. If the sash channel on a double-hung windows is closed with paint, you might be capable of breaking the bond by using the help of a utility knife and slide it. If this fails, you will need to remove the sash and then cut the line between the sash stop, parting strip or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1).

Sash shoes for single-hung windows can be made of plastic or metal. They feature a U-shaped slot inside them that is locked when the shoe is in its usual position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, use an screwdriver to turn the slot until it is facing the opposite direction (Photo 2). You can then move the sash back and forward to determine whether it functions properly.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't only unsightly; it can also be a serious threat to the structural integrity of the area of the home it has infested. The fungus responsible for it feasts on moisture, transforming wood beams, joists, and walls into a soggy mush. To prevent rot it is important to ensure that your home is properly maintained and areas exposed to the elements are protected. Unfortunately, even the best of intentions, it only takes one missed painting session or clogged gutter, or a minor leak in the roof to expose the window frames, porch columns and other areas of your home to a myriad of decay organisms that can quickly eat away at the structure and cause damage to its stability.

The majority of wood rots are caused by excessive humidity, which is typically caused by rainwater seepage or condensation. This can happen if a damp proof course isn't installed or is damaged or damaged, or when internal materials like plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures.

The first step in repairing decay is to remove the old material. It's generally easy to do this using a pry-bar but a combination hammer/chisel might be needed for the stubbornest places. After the decayed pieces of wood are removed, the hole must be filled and sealed. There are many wood fillers available and the most effective 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 can be preserved.

If the rot has spread too far for a filler work, you will have to replace the damaged part. This can be done by hiring a professional or by doing it yourself. This is a more difficult task that requires the expertise of a carpenter to complete. If you're unsure about your DIY ability here you should call in a professional.

While repairing rotting wood is always an option but it's much easier (and cheaper) to prevent it from happening in the beginning. Preventative measures include regularly sealing cracks around windows, scraping and repainting caulk, and installing drip edges on the roof to prevent water from splattering onto exterior trim. You should also be looking for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window and consider the use of a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels under control.

Dirty Seals

One of the most obvious signs of shrinking window seals is water that drips down the sides or under a window. This can be easy to spot, but it's usually hidden behind the wall. This can lead to soft wood, mold, and even structural damage in your RV. The best way to protect your windows is to perform regular cleaning and inspection checks. Pressing gently against the seal trim and visual inspection will help you spot weak spots before they cause water damage.

The windows that are stained with fog can be an indication of a weak seal. Although they may not cause structural damage or increase your electric bill, they can take away from the aesthetics of your RV.

Window seals that fail are mostly caused by weather damage, with the seals swelling in hot temperatures and contracting in colder ones. This can be mitigated by storing your camper under cover and keeping it out of direct sun. A simple car wash will help keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals that are on your windows.

Another factor that can lead to seal failure is scrubbing seals with brushes or washrags with cleaning chemicals that degrade the rubber. This can make the seals fragile and susceptible to cracking. The best way to prevent this is to avoid using harsh window cleaners and to keep the sash tracks and window seals clean with a dry, soft brush.

This is the simplest 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 make repairs, which can prevent costly future problems.

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. This is a straightforward DIY project that will extend the life of your windows in your RV and save you money.