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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save homeowners time and money. However, there are instances when replacing old windows are more economical. Stray baseballs and projectiles often cause cracks or holes in windows. With the appropriate tools, these are easy solutions. If the frame of the unit is damaged it is better to replace the whole unit. Broken or Cracked Glass A bad storm, the pebble from your lawnmower or even the vase you place down too hard could crack the glass of your windows. You can stop these cracks from becoming worse by putting in a little more time and effort. This will save you money on replacement glass. First, you must remove the broken glass. Wearing gloves, carefully pry off any trim, molding, or glazing putty that keeps the glass in place. You may have to use a utility knife to get rid of any glass pieces that are stuck in the frame. After removing the glass, clean the surface and any surrounding areas thoroughly. This will stop the adhesive used to hold the new glass from leakage and causing further damage. Make sure the new glass fits well. If the new glass is larger than the prior piece, you'll have to use a circular or mitersaw to cut it down. After your surface is clean, find an adhesive for glass that is specifically designed for window glass and follow the instructions on how to apply it. After that, reinstall the glass inside your window sash. Avoid flexing the glass or moving it during this process. This could 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's specially designed to work with all kinds of glass including tinted windows. Be aware that this type of fix won't completely conceal the crack, so it's not the best solution for windows that are easily visible from the outside. Another option is epoxy, which is a bit more time-consuming to apply, but provides the most significant seal, and can make your cracked window glass nearly invisible. It is essential to thoroughly clean the glass and surrounding area prior to applying the epoxy. You'll also need to be ready to address any abrupt weather changes that could cause the crack to widen again. If you're not comfortable with these DIY repair techniques or if your glass is particularly large or a double-paned glass is best to call in the professionals for a professional repair. Sashes that won't slide open A window that does not remain up is more than just an inconvenience It could also be a risk. Single-hung and double-hung windows are equipped with balancing mechanisms to stop the sash from moving. However there are times when one or more of these mechanisms could be damaged or disconnected. Examine the balance and pivot bar shoe to determine if either or both have become dislodged. You'll need to replace the bar pivot and balance shoe if they've become dislodged. Moisture in the window frames of the sash can cause cycles of expansion or contraction. As time passes, this can weaken the joints of the frame and cause them to become stuck. It is possible to repair this issue without removing the window, if you use a utility knife to break the joints of the frame apart. If the wood appears to be swelling, it's typically caused by missing flashing on your house's exterior that allows water to soak the frame. Another reason that can cause windows that don't open is a snapped sash cord. Try reattaching the cord using pliers, and by sliding the sash into its normal position. If the cord is totally damaged, you'll need to replace it. Paint can also cause a window to bind and be difficult to move. If the sash channel on double-hung windows has been closed with paint, you might be capable of breaking the bond using the help of a utility knife and slide it. If this doesn't work then you'll have to take off the window sash, and then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop, parting strip, or jamb (Photo 1). Sash shoes for single-hung windows may be made from plastic or metal. They feature a U-shaped slot inside them that is locked when the shoe is in its usual position in the sash. To unlock the shoe, you need a screwdriver to rotate the slot so that it faces the other way (Photo 2). Then you can slide the sash up and down, and then check whether the window functions normally. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just ugly, it poses a real threat to the structural integrity of the area of the house it's infiltrating. upvc windows repairs near me on moisture and transforms wood beams, walls, and joists into a soggy and spongy mush. The best way to prevent decay is to ensure your home is maintained and that areas that have exposure to elements are properly protected. Even if you're diligent the slightest lapse in painting, clogged rain gutter, or a minor roof leak can expose window frames or porch columns and other areas of the house to decay organisms. The majority of wood decay is the result of excessive moisture content, and can be caused by condensation, rainwater seepage or rising dampness. The latter can occur if damp-proofing courses are not installed or is damaged, or when internal materials like drywall and plaster are affected by leaky pipes, appliances and fixtures. The first step to repairing rot is removing the old material. It's generally easy to do this using a pry-bar but a combination hammer/chisel might be required for the most difficult areas. After the decayed pieces of wood are removed, the hole must be filled in and sealed. There are a myriad of wood fillers that are available, and the best product will depend on the amount of work you want to do, how deep the hole is, and how much of the frame is left to be saved. If the rot is too deep for a filler that is simple, then you'll need to replace the damaged area. This can be done by hiring a professional or doing it yourself. This is a more complicated task that requires the expertise of a carpenter to complete. If you are unsure about your DIY skills it is recommended to consult an expert. Repairing rotting wood can be done however it is easier (and cheaper) to avoid the issue in the first instance. Preventative measures can include sealing any cracks that are around windows, scraping the caulk off and repainting it, and installing drip edges on the roof. You should also look for signs of excess humidity around your windows, and think about a dehumidifier to help keep the levels of moisture in check. Dirty Seals Water that drips around or under a window is likely to be the most obvious indicator that the seals of windows are shrinking. Sometimes, this is easy to detect but most of the time it's hidden behind a wall, and is harder to locate. This can lead to soft wood, mould, or even structural damages in your RV. The best way to safeguard your windows is to keep them clean by performing regular inspection and cleaning. By gently pressing against the trim of the seal and visual inspection can help you find soft spots before they can cause water damage. Fogged windows are another common sign of a failing seal. While they won't cause structural damage or increase your electric bill, they can take away from the aesthetics of your RV. Failing window seals are largely caused by weather damage with seals expanding in hot temperatures and shrinking in colder ones. This effect can be reduced by storing your camper underneath cover and keeping it out of direct sunlight. A simple car wash will aid in preventing salt from causing damage to the rubber seals on your windows. Other causes of window seal failure include scrubbing the seals with brushes or washrags that contain cleaning agents which break down the rubber. This can make the seals brittle and prone to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks in good condition by using a dry toothbrush. This is the simplest and cheapest way to protect the windows of your RV. It also gives you the opportunity to examine the condition of your window seals, and make repairs that can prevent costly future problems. Having your window seals lubricated by spraying 303 Protectant replaced is a far more costly fix than simply resealing your sash, but it's still significantly cheaper than repairing the water damage caused by faulty seals. If you are willing to invest a few hours of work and time, then this is a simple DIY project that will greatly extend the life of your RV's windows, and save you money in the long term.