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.
Cracks or holes in the glass of windows are often caused by stray balls and projectiles. With the appropriate tools, these are easy fixes.
If the frame of the unit is decayed, it's better to replace the whole unit.
Broken or cracked glass
A bad storm or the pebbles from your lawnmowers or the vase you place down too hard can crack the glass of your windows. You can prevent these cracks from becoming worse by spending a little extra time and effort. This will help you save money on replacement glass.
The first step in any repair is to remove the glass pane that has broken. Wearing gloves, carefully rip off any trim, molding or glazing putty that holds the glass in place. You may need to use a utility knife to remove any glass pieces that have gotten stuck in the frame.
After taking the window off, clean the area around it and the surface thoroughly. This will stop the glue used to put the glass back in place from leaking and causing more damage. It is also important to make sure that the new glass is a good fit. If the new piece is bigger than the previous one, you'll have to cut it down with circular saw or miter saw.
After your surface is cleaned then you can apply a glass glue designed specifically for window glass. Install the glass back inside your window sash. Avoid flexing or moving the glass during this procedure because it could cause the crack to deepen.
In the end, you can use a product like Loctite Super Glue Glass to fill the crack and seal it. It's formulated to work with all kinds of glass including tinted windows. Just be aware that this kind of repair will not fully conceal the crack, so it's not a good solution for windows that are easily visible from the outside.
Another option is epoxy which is more time-consuming to apply but will provide the strongest seal and will likely make your window glass that has been damaged almost invisible. It is important to thoroughly clean the glass and surrounding area before applying epoxy. You will also need to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather changes that can cause cracks to widen. If you are not confident with these DIY methods or if your damaged glass is large or a two-paned, it's recommended to contact a professional.
Sashes that won't slide open
A window that isn't able to stay up is more than just a nuisance. It could be dangerous. Double- and single-hung windows come with balancing mechanisms that help keep the sash from sliding up and down within the jambs. 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 determine if either or both are dislodged. If they have, you will need to replace them for the sash to stay in place.
Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction within the frames of sash windows that are made of timber. This could cause the frame joints to loosen over time and stick. It is possible to fix this issue without removing the window if you use a utility blade to cut the joints of the frame apart. If the wood appears swelling, it's usually due to a lack of flashing on your house's exterior that allows water to get into the frame.
Another common reason for windows that don't open is a sash cord that has snapped. You can try to re-attach the cord by pulling on the cord (pliers may be helpful) and sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord snapped completely, you will have to replace it.
Paint can also cause a window to bind and become difficult to move. If the sash channel of double-hung windows has been closed with paint, you might be in a position to break the bond by using an utility knife and then slide it. If this doesn't work then you'll have to take off the window sash, 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 metal or plastic. They 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, you need a screwdriver to turn the slot so that it is facing the opposite direction (Photo 2). Then, you can slide the sash upwards and down and check whether the window is functioning normally.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot isn't just ugly it's a real threat to the structural integrity of the part of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus that causes it to feed on moisture, transforming wood beams, joists, and walls into soggy and mush. To avoid upvc window repairs must ensure that your home is properly maintained and that areas that are exposed to the elements are well secured. Even if you're diligent, one missed painting session or clogged gutter or minor roof leak can expose your window frames as well as porch columns and other components of the house to decaying organisms.
Most wood rots are caused by excessive humidity, which is typically caused by rainwater seepage or condensation. The latter can happen when a damp proof course isn't installed or damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall are impacted by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures.
The first step in repairing the rot is to take off the old material. It's usually simple to do this using a pry-bar however the combination of hammer and chisel could be required for the most difficult spots. After the rotten wood has been removed, the hole needs to be filled and caulked. There are a myriad of wood fillers that are 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 is too deep for a simple filler then you'll need to replace the damaged area. You can either hire an expert to complete this task or do it yourself. This is a more complicated project however, and requires good carpentry skills to get the job done correctly. If you aren't sure about your DIY skills it is recommended to consult a professional.
While repairing rotting wood is always a possibility but it's much easier (and more affordable) to prevent it from happening in the first place. Prevention measures include sealing cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk as well as installing a drip edge on the roof to prevent water from splashing onto exterior trim. Also, you should look for signs of an excessive amount of humidity around your window and think about installing a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels under control.
Dirty Seals
Probably the most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is the water that drips down the sides or under the window. Sometimes, this is obvious but most of the time it's hidden within a wall and more difficult to locate. This can result in soft wood, mold and even structural damage to your RV. The best way to safeguard your windows is with regular inspection and cleaning. You can spot small smudges by gently pressing on the seal trim while inspecting.
The windows that are stained with fog can be an indication of a failing seal. They may not be structurally damaging or making your electricity bill increase, but they affect the appearance of your RV.
Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage, with the seals swelling in hot temperatures and contracting in colder ones. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and keeping it under cover when possible. A simple car wash can keep the salt from causing damage to the rubber seals that are on your windows.
Other causes of window seal failure are scratching the seals with brushes and washrags that contain cleaning agents which break down the rubber. This can make the seals fragile and susceptible to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition with a clean toothbrush.
This is the simplest and most affordable method to safeguard the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to examine the condition of your window seals and repair them, which will save you from costly future issues.
Lubricating your window seals by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a far more expensive repair than simply resealing your sash, however it is nonetheless much less expensive than fixing the water damage caused by failed seals. If you are willing to put in a few hours of work it is a simple DIY project that can extend the life of your RV's windows and save you money in the long term.