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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 are more cost-effective. Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles frequently cause holes or cracks in windows. These are typically easy repairs with the right tools. However, if the window's frame is rotting it's recommended to replace the entire unit. Broken or cracked glass A bad storm, 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 the cracks from getting any worse and help you avoid the cost of replacement glass. First, you must remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut away any molding, trim, or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may need to use an utility knife to get rid of any stubborn glass shards that have gotten stuck in the frame. After removing the glass clean the surface and surrounding areas thoroughly. This will stop the adhesive that glues the new glass in place from spilling out and causing damage. Make sure the glass you are replacing is a good fit. If the new glass is larger than the old one, you'll need to cut it down with circular saws or a miter saw. After your surface has been cleaned and dried, you can apply a glass adhesive made specifically for windows. Place the glass back inside your window sash. Be careful not to bend the glass or moving it during this step. This can cause cracks to become deeper. Finally, you can use products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It is designed to work on all kinds of glass including tinted ones. Just be aware that this type of fix will not completely cover the crack, so it's not a good solution for windows that are easily visible from the outside. upvc window repair is a different alternative. It's more time-consuming, but it will provide the most secure seal and can make the glass that has cracked appear almost unnoticeable. You will need to thoroughly clean the glass and the surrounding area prior to applying epoxy. It is also important to be ready to address any abrupt weather changes that could cause the crack to expand again. If you're not happy with these DIY repair techniques or if the glass you have cracked is especially large or a double-paned glass It's recommended to get in touch with a professional to have a professional repair. Sashes that won't slide open A window that doesn't stay up for long can be more than a nuisance It could also be dangerous. Single- and double-hung windows have balancing mechanisms that prevent the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. Nevertheless, one or more mechanisms can be damaged or disconnected. Inspect the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if one or both has become dislodged. You'll have to replace the bar pivot and balance shoe if they have been dislodged. Moisture can cause cycles of expansion and contraction in the frames of sash windows made of timber. As time passes, this can loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to become stuck. It is possible to repair this without dismantling the window by putting a knife around the joints of the frame and slicing them open. If your wood appears swollen it is usually because of a lack of flashing on the exterior of your house that allows water to enter the frame. Another reason that can cause a window that won't open is a sash cord that has snapped. Try reattaching the cord using pliers, and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If the cord has snapped completely, you will need to replace it. Paint can also make windows difficult to move. If you find that the sash channel on a double-hung window is closed with paint it is possible to break the bond by scoring the paint with a knife and then trying to move it. If this doesn't work, you'll need to remove the window sash, and then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop or parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1). Sash shoes for single-hung windows can be made from metal or plastic. These shoes have a U-shaped slot in them that is locked when the shoe is placed in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe with a screwdriver then turn the slot upside down using the image 2. Then, you can slide the sash upwards and down, and then check whether the window functions normally. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just ugly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious threat to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus that causes it to feed on moisture, transforming wooden beams, joists and walls into a sloppy mush. The best way to prevent rot is to make sure your home is maintained and that areas with exposure to elements are properly protected. However, even when you're diligent just one mishap with the painting process or clogged gutter or minor leak in the roof to expose window frames or porch columns, as well as other areas of your home to a myriad of decaying organisms that can quickly eat away at the structure and cause damage to its structural integrity. Most wood decay is the result of excessive moisture content, which can be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. This can happen when damp-proofing courses are not installed or damaged or when internal materials like drywall and plaster are affected by leaky appliances, pipes and fixtures. The first step to repair rot involves removing the old material. It's usually simple to do 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 needs to be filled and caulked. There are a variety of wood fillers. The most suitable one will depend on how much work you'd like to do and the depth of the hole. If the rot has spread too far for a filler to work, you'll have to replace the damaged part. You can engage a professional to do this or do it yourself. This is a more complex task that requires the expertise of a carpenter to complete. If you're unsure about your skills at DIY it is recommended to call in an expert. Repairing rotting wood can be done however it is more efficient (and cheaper) to prevent the problem at the beginning. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around windows, scraping and repainting caulk, and installing a drip edge on the roof to prevent water from splashing onto exterior trim. Also, you should look for signs of excess humidity around your windows, and think about a dehumidifier to help keep moisture levels in check. Dirty Seals Probably the most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is water that drips around or beneath a window. This can be easy to spot, but it's usually hidden behind the wall. This can result in soft wood, mold, and even structural damage in your RV. Regular cleaning and inspections are the best way to protect windows. You can identify soft spots by gently pressing on the seal trim while visually looking. Windows that are stained with fog are another sign of a failing seal. They may not be structurally harmful or causing your electricity bills to skyrocket, but they do hinder the aesthetics of your RV. The weather plays a significant role in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand, whereas in colder temperatures, they shrink. This can be mitigated by storing your camper underneath cover and keeping it out of direct sunlight. Also, a simple car wash can help keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals on your windows. Other factors that contribute to window seal failure include cleaning the seals using brushes and washrags that contain cleaning agents that break down the rubber. Seals may become brittle and more prone to cracking. The best way to avoid this is to avoid using harsh window cleaners and to keep the windows' seals and sash tracks clean with a dry brush. Conducting these regular maintenance tasks is the least expensive and most efficient way to protect the windows of your RV. It also gives you the chance to assess the condition of the window seals and make repairs that can save you from costly future issues. It's more expensive to have your window seals lubricated, or replaced with 303 Protectant spray, however it's less expensive than repairing water damage caused by failed sealing. If you're willing to invest just a few hours, then this is a DIY project that will greatly prolong the lifespan of your RV's windows and save you money in the end.