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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

Window repairs can help homeowners save time and money. Sometimes, replacing old windows can be more cost-effective.

Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles frequently cause holes or cracks in windows. With the right tools, these are simple fixes.

However, if the window's frame is beginning to decay it is recommended to replace the entire window.

Broken or cracked glass

A severe storm or the sand from your lawnmower or even the vase you place down too hard may break the glass of your windows. Fortunately with a little effort and effort can prevent these cracks from getting worse and save you the expense of replacing glass.

First, remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully cut off any trim, molding or glazing putty that holds the glass in the frame. You may also need to use a utility knife to remove any glass shards that are stuck in the frame or old glazing.

After taking the window off, clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will prevent the adhesive used to glue the glass back in place from leaking and causing further damage. It is also important to make sure that the new glass is a good fit. If the new glass is larger than the old one, you'll need reduce it using a circular saw or miter saw.

Now that your surface is clean, search for a glass adhesive that's specifically designed for glass windows and follow the directions on how to apply it. Then, you can reinstall the glass into your window sash. Avoid flexing or moving the glass during this step as it could cause the crack to grow.

Finally, you can use products such as Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill in and seal the crack. It's specially designed to work with all types of glass and tinted windows. This type of fix won't completely hide the crack. It's not suitable for windows that are visible from the outside.

Epoxy is another option. It is more time-consuming, however it provides the best seal and makes your cracked glass almost invisible. It is essential to thoroughly clean the glass and surrounding area prior to applying epoxy. You'll also need be prepared for any unexpected weather changes that could cause the crack to expand again. If you're not confident of these DIY methods or if the cracked glass is very large or two-paned, it is best to call the professionals.

Sashes that won't let you open

A window that doesn't remain up is more than just a nuisance. It could be a risk. Single-hung and double-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to keep the sash from sliding. However there are times when one or several of these mechanisms may become disconnected or damaged. Check the pivot bar as well as balance shoes to see whether either of them has dislodged. If they have, you will have to replace them 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 stick. You can repair this problem without removing the window, if you use a blade to pry the frame joints apart. If the wood appears swelling, it's typically caused by a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home that allows water to get into the frame.

A sash cable that has snapped is another common cause of a window not opening. Try reattaching the cord by pulling it back (pliers might help) and then sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord snapped completely, you will have to replace it.

Paint can also cause windows to become bounded and become difficult to move. If you discover that the sash channel on a double-hung window is sealed with paint, you can break the bond by scoring the paint using a utility knife and trying to slide it. If this doesn't work then you'll have 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 made of metal or plastic. These shoes have a U-shaped slot in them that is locked when the shoe is placed in its normal position in the sash. To unlock the shoe, using a screwdriver, turn the slot sideways using the photo 2. Then you can move the sash up and down, and then check whether the window is functioning normally.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot isn't just unsightly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious threat to the structural integrity of the portion of the home it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it is a fungus that feeds off moisture and turns wooden beams, walls, and joists to a wet mush. To stop upvc window repairs from occurring you must ensure that your home is well maintained and areas exposed to the elements are well protected. Unfortunately, even if you're vigilant 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 parts of your house to a myriad of decaying organisms that can quickly destroy the structure and compromise its structural integrity.

The majority of wood rots are caused by excessive humidity, which is typically caused by rainwater seepage or condensation. This can happen when damp-proofing courses are not installed or damaged or when the internal materials such as plaster and drywall become affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures.

The first step to repairing the rot is to take off 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 rotten pieces wood are removed, the hole must be filled in and sealed. There are a variety of wood fillers. The most suitable one will depend on how much work you want to do and how deep the hole is.

If the rot is too deep for a simple filler then you'll have to replace the damaged area. You can engage a professional to do this or do it yourself. This is a more complex project that requires carpentry expertise to complete. If you're unsure about your ability to do this yourself, then it's best to call in a professional.

While repairing wood that is rotting is a possibility however, it's much more effective (and more affordable) to prevent it in the beginning. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk, and installing drip edges on the roof to prevent water from splashing 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 moisture levels under control.

Dirty Seals

The most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is the water that drips down the sides or under a window. Sometimes, this is obvious however, it is often hidden behind a wall, and more difficult to locate. This can lead to soft wood, mold, or even structural damage to your RV. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to guard windows. You can spot small smudges by gently pressing on the seal trim while looking.

Windows that are stained with fog are another indication of a leaky seal. While they won't cause structural damage or increase your power bill, they can take away from the appearance of your RV.





The weather is a major factor in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand and in colder temperatures, they shrink. You can reduce this effect by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and keeping it under cover whenever possible. Also, a simple car wash will help keep the salt from damaging the rubber seals on your windows.

Other factors that contribute to window seal failure include scratching the seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that break down the rubber. This can cause the seals to become weak and susceptible to cracking. Avoid using harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition with a dry toothbrush.

Conducting these regular maintenance tasks is the most affordable and efficient method of protecting the windows of your RV. This also gives you the opportunity to examine the seals on your windows and make any necessary repairs.

Lubricating your window seals by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a more costly repair than simply resealing your sash, but it's nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage that is caused by failed seals. This is a straightforward DIY project that can prolong the life of your windows in your RV and save you money.