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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. Sometimes, replacing old windows can be more cost-effective. Cracks or holes in windows' glass are usually caused by stray baseballs and projectiles. With the proper tools, these are simple fixes. If the frame of the unit is decayed, it's better to replace the entire unit. Broken or cracked glass A severe storm or the sand from your lawnmowers, or the vase you set down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. Fortunately, a little time and effort can keep these cracks from becoming worse and save you the cost of 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 have to use a utility knife in order to break loose any glass shards stuck in the frame or glazing. After removing the window, clean the surrounding area and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the adhesive used to glue the glass back in place from leaking and causing further damage. Make sure the glass you are 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 trim it. Now that your surface is clean, find a glass adhesive that's specifically designed for window glass and follow the instructions on how to apply it. Then, 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 use a product such as Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill in the crack and seal it. It's designed to work on all kinds of glass, including tinted versions. Just be aware that this type of repair will not fully conceal the crack, so it's not a good choice for windows that are easily visible from the outside. upvc repair is a different option. It is more time-consuming, but it offers the highest seal and can make your glass break virtually unnoticeable. Before applying epoxy, however, you'll need to clean your glass and the area around it thoroughly. It is also important to be prepared to deal with any abrupt weather changes that could cause the crack to widen and then widen again. If you're not confident with these DIY repair techniques or if the glass you have cracked is especially large or a double-paned glass It's recommended to contact a professional for a professional repair. Sashes That Willn't Open A window that won't stay up is more than just a nuisance; it could be a danger. Single- and double-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to assist in stopping the sash from sliding up and down within the jambs. However there are times when one or more of these mechanisms can be damaged or disconnected. Examine the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if either or both has become dislodged. You'll need to replace the bar pivot and balance shoe if they've been dislodged. Moisture can cause cycles of expansion and contraction within the timber frames of sash windows. In time, this may cause joints to become loose in the frame and cause them to become stuck. You may be able to fix this without removing the window by putting a knife around the joints of the frame and slicing them open. If the wood appears to be swollen, this is often due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home which lets water soak into the frame. Another reason that can cause windows that aren't opening is a snapped sash cord. It is possible to reconnect the cord using pliers, and by slipping the sash back into its normal position. If the cord is totally damaged, you'll have to replace it. Paint can also make a window difficult to move. If the sash channel on double-hung windows is closed with paint, you might be able to break the bond using the help of a utility knife and slide it. If this doesn't work then you'll need to remove the sash and then cut the line between the sash stop, strip that separates or jamb on both sides of the window (Photo 1). The sash shoes that are used in single-hung windows are usually constructed of either metal or plastic. These shoes come with a U-shaped slot them that is locked when the shoe is in its usual position within the sash. To unlock the shoe, you need a screwdriver to turn the slot so that it is facing the opposite direction (Photo 2). Then you can slide the sash up and down and check whether the window is functioning normally. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just unsightly it's a real danger to the structural integrity of the part of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus that causes it to feed on moisture, transforming wooden beams, joists and walls into a soggy mush. To stop the rot from occurring, you should ensure that your home is well maintained and the areas that are exposed to the elements are secured. Even the best of intentions just one missed painting cycle or clogged gutter or minor roof leak to expose windows, porch columns and other areas of your home to a variety of decaying organisms that can quickly destroy the structure and cause damage to its strength. Most wood decays are caused by excessive moisture, which is often caused by condensation or seepage from rainwater. 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 appliances, pipes and fixtures. The first step in repairing the rot is to take off the old material. This is typically done using a prybar, but a combination of hammer and chisel might be needed for the most difficult spots. After the decayed pieces of wood are removed, the hole must be filled and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers to choose from 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 out too far for a filler work, you will need to replace the damaged part. You can hire a professional to do this or do it yourself. This is a more difficult project that requires a carpentry expert to complete. If you are unsure of your DIY abilities it is recommended to call a professional. Repairing wood that is rotting is possible however it is easier (and cheaper) to avoid the issue in the first instance. Preventative measures include regularly sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk and installing drip edges on the roof to stop water from splattering onto the trim on the exterior. Also, you should look for signs of excessive humidity around your windows and consider a dehumidifier to keep the levels of moisture in check. Dirty Seals Water dripping from or around a window is probably the most obvious indicator that seals on windows are shrinking. This can be easy to see, but it's often hidden behind a wall. This can result in soft wood, mold, or even structural damage in your RV. Regular cleaning and inspections are the best method to safeguard windows. You can spot soft spots by gently pressing on the seal trim while inspecting. Fogged windows can also be an indication of a weak seal. While they are unlikely to cause structural damage or increase your electricity bill, they can take away from your RV's aesthetics. The weather is the main factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand and in colder weather, they shrink. You can minimize this effect by keeping your camper away from direct sunlight and keeping it under covers whenever you can. A simple car wash will help keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals that are on your windows. Other causes of window seal failure is scrubbing the seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning agents that break down the rubber. This can cause the seals to become weak and susceptible to cracking. The best way to avoid this is to avoid using harsh cleaners on your windows, and to keep the windows and sash tracks clean with a dry, soft brush. This is the most efficient and least expensive method of protecting the windows of your RV. It also gives you the chance to check the condition of your window seals, and repair them, which will save you from costly future issues. Having your window seals lubricated by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a much more expensive repair than simply resealing the sash, however it is still significantly cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by failed seals. This is a straightforward DIY project that can prolong the lifespan of your windows in your RV and save you money.